Maestro TV Executive Says Robbed of USD 45,000 Borrowed Money

Erosi Kitsmarishvili, former co-owner of Rustavi 2 TV, who now manages Tbilisi-based Maestro TV station, accused the authorities of seizing USD 45,000 intended for easing “Maestro TV’s current financial problems.”

Kitsmarishvili said on December 22, the money, which he “borrowed from Kibar Khalvashi”, an exiled Georgian businessman and a close associate of ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, was seized from “a currier” – a former driver of Okruashvili, who intended to hand it over to him late on December 19.

He said that “a currier” was detained by a group of unknown men just outside Kitsmarishvili’s home in downtown Tbilisi and robbed. He said that the robbery took place in the area packed with security cameras and in case of a will the law enforcement agencies should resolve the case. Kitsmarishvili, however, said he suspects “the special services” hand in the robbery, which, he said, aimed at “creating problems” to Maestro TV. 

“I will apologies publicly if I am wrong and if the law enforcement agencies resolve the case,” he said.

The Interior Ministry spokespersons were not available for the comment on the matter.

After taking over the management of the Maestro TV in November Kitsmarishvili said fundraising for the television station, which goes out on cable, would be one of his key priorities. He said on December 21 that during his recent visit to Europe he had met with Irakli Okruashvili and discussed funding issues and a loan from Okruashvili’s close friend, businessman Kibar Khalvashi, was a result of this negotiations.

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