Ex- Georgian Interior Ministry official faces fraud charges

Former Georgian Interior Ministry official has been charged with abusing power and committing fraud and could face nine years in jail.

Georgia’s Chief Prosecutors Office laid charges against Erekle Kodua, the country’s ex-head of the Special Operative Department (SOD) of the Interior Ministry. This department was cancelled after Parliament Elections 2012.

The Office is investigating charges that fall under Article 180, Part 3 "A" and "B" and Article 333 of Georgia’s Criminal Code. The charges against Kodua come with a maximum penalty of nine years imprisonment, a Prosecutor’s Office representative said today.

The Office alleged on August 29, 2008, Kodua promised a non-custodial sentence on a plea agreement to Merab Robakidze, who was charged with illegally purchasing and possessing a narcotic substance. In return for his freedom, Robakidze must buy two vehicles for the purpose of offering further submission to the state. Robakidze accepted the offer and bought two vehicles worth $90 000 USD.

Later, the vehicles became the property of Kodua and his family.

The Office also claimed Kodua was involved in another instance where luxury cars were purchased in exchange for a plea bargain on a non-custodial penalty.

It is alleged on December 18, 2008, Kodua obtained a Lexus vehicle worth $92 000 USD for his mother Laura Ghachava from the Toyota Center Tbilisi Ltd with the condition of further payment.

Later, he offered  brothers detained for illegal purchase and possession of a narcotic substance a non-custodial penalty instead of buying the expensive car, the Office claimed.

"If the accused fails to appear before the investigative authority, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia will file a motion on the application of detention in Court. Therefore, Erekle Kodua will be declared as wanted,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.

Kodua fled Georgia after the Parliamentary elections in 2012. He is believed to live in Prague.