Prosecutor General’s Office charges notaries, assistant with embezzlement

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia has charged a group with fraudulent embezzlement of money from 94 victims through a real estate scheme, the state body said on Wednesday.

The body said the offenders - involving two notary offices and their assistant - had targeted individuals interested in submitting collaterals for flats, introducing their accomplices as owners of flats and presented agreements bearing notary approval, the body explained.

The offenders “did not explain the content and legal consequences of the notarial acts” to the victims, having 94 individuals sign loan agreements “through deceit”, instead of mortgage loan and apartment usage agreements.

The members of the group embezzled ₾2,686,700 ($1,002,761) through the fraudulent scheme, the Office added.

The crime is punishable by seven to 10 years in prison.