Georgian PM says details of Investigative Service’s searches of US Concentrix firm in Tbilisi “could turn out interesting to public”

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said results of an investigation into domestic law enforcement’s searches of a Tbilisi office of the American business process outsourcing company Concentrix “could turn out interesting to the public”.

The official’s comments followed a statement by the Investigative Service of the Ministry of Finance, which on Thursday announced searches had been conducted “at three potential so-called call centre locations” in the capital as part of a broader investigation into fraudulent schemes and money laundering.

Media reports indicated that investigators had also searched Tbilisi flats of Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili, employees of the US-based Atlantic Council research centre, in conjunction with the Concentrix office. However, the Investigative Service did not disclose specific names or companies in its statement.

“Let us wait for the investigation outcomes; they could be very interesting for the public. I am only speculating, but I think they might be interesting”, Kobakhidze told reporters.

In his press comments, Levan Davitashvili, the Minister of Economy, expressed confidence the investigation would confirm Concentrix’s compliance with legal business practices in Georgia.

Concentrix Georgia operates in the business process outsourcing sector. We have studied this sector under the Produce in Georgia project and recognised it as a significant source of employment. We have successfully attracted reputable international  BPO companies to the country, enhancing job opportunities”, Davitashvili said.

He stressed the importance of law enforcement in “preventing criminal activities related to illicit call centres”, adding, “I am confident that it will be confirmed that Concentrix Georgia is a valuable BPO business and that its operations are not illegal”.

The Investigative Service cited “operational information” and court approval for the searches, saying the targeted call centres were suspected of involvement “in similar criminal activities on a larger financial scale”.

The Service added specific employees at these facilities were connected to fraudulent call centres identified in prior investigations, and that its officers had discovered “various types” of equipment, devices, and documentation containing electronic information, all of which were “properly seized”.