Over 90 operations in Georgia suspended on suspicion of sanctions circumvention  - Finance Minister

More than 90 operations have been suspended by the Georgian customs service in the country on suspicion of violations of sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, Lasha Khutsishvili, the Georgian Finance Minister said on Tuesday. 

During an online discussion on Practical Analysis of Sanctions and Challenges of the Georgian Economy, organised by the Georgian-based non-governmental organisation Geocase and Georgian online media outlet Commersant, the official also noted partners of Georgia, as well as the countries from which the goods in question originated had been informed about each of the cases.

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He pointed out Georgia’s customs service was considered a “reliable partner” for customs authorities of “each partner” including the United States and the European Union, noting the body “significantly insured” the risks in terms of compliance with sanctions.

[Sanctions] include both financial direction and foreign trade. In both parts, Georgia is quite actively involved in the enforcement process,” Khutsishvili was cited as saying by the Georgian Public Broadcaster. 

The Minister emphasised the Georgian Government was “fully responsible” for the domestic enforcement of international sanctions imposed on Russia.