Russian citizen, two others charged with financial crimes in Georgia

A Russian citizen and two other individuals have been charged with fraudulently obtaining a large amount of money and money laundering in Georgia.

The Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office says that the Russian citizen, only identified as V.L., registered a website, offering citizens of different countries assistance in obtaining a residence permit, citizenship and driver’s license, for which he received a certain amount of money.

V.L. sent the illicit income to the bank accounts of different fictitious legal entities. He opened the bank accounts himself.

The Prosecutor’s Office says that V.L. laundered about $255,882, €22,400 and 16,500 GEL (about $5,362).

Georgian law enforcers have seized three residential apartments, two cars, two garages and money from the accommodations of the offenders - $19,920 and 1,789 GEL.

The crime is punishable from nine to 12 years of imprisonment.