Former Deputy Tax Chief Admits Guilt, Repays Misappropriated Money

Former Deputy Chairman of the Tax Department Vakhtang Chakhnashvili, has admitted guilt and repaid USD 1.35 million to the state. Chakhnashvili was arrested on January 29 and charged with misappropriation of state funds.

Chakhnashvili, who was arrested in his office in the Tax Department, was sentenced to three month pre-trial custody pending investigation. He is expected to be released following the settlement of his debts.

Deputy Prosecutor General Valeri Khaburdzania said at a news briefing on March 5 that the lawyers of Chakhnashvili would appeal the court to request suspension of pre-trial custody.

?We will not oppose Chkhanashvili?s release as he has already repaid money,? Valeri Khaburdzania said. However Khaburdzania added the investigation would continue .

This is a second case when arrested officials admit guilt and repay misappropriated funds. President of the Football Association of Georgia Merab Zhordania was also detained and charged with embezzlement, however was released later after re-paying USD 340,000 to the state.