Georgia's regional gov't official detained for bribery

A Georgian local government official has been accused of corruption and is in custody.

The Deputy local Governor of the Kvareli district, in the Eastern region of Georgia, has been arrested for being involved in a bribery scheme.

Otar Adomlishvili was a member of the Georgian Conservative Party’s Regional Organization, as part of the Georgian Dream coalition.

Adomlishvili has been accused of abusing his power and making an illegal deal with a local citizen.

He has been charged with taking 50 000 GEL ($28 901 USD) from the citizen in exchange for participating in an auction. He was guaranteed to win the auction through falsely bidding on the citizen’s properties, including a 711 931 square metre plot of land located in the Kakheti region, in the village of Aniseli, as well as facilities located on the land, Georgia’s Minister of internal Affairs stated.

If found guilty, Adomlishvili could face a prison term of 11-15 years, as stated in the Georgia Criminal Code.