Georgia Arrests Former Security Chief on Multi-Million Dollar Bribery Charges

Georgia’s former head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, has been arrested on charges of accepting large-scale bribes, Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze announced at a briefing on Dec. 23.

Liluashvili is accused of taking bribes in several high-profile criminal cases over multiple years. The charges carry a potential sentence of 11 to 15 years in prison.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the arrest followed a joint operation by investigators and the State Security Service itself.

Liluashvili has been charged under Article 338 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, covering bribery committed by an organized group and involving especially large sums.

Before the arrest, Liluashvili arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office for questioning, telling journalists he was unaware of the case details. Asked whether he expected to be detained, he replied: “Everything is God’s will.”

Earlier, on Oct. 17, prosecutors conducted searches of properties linked to Liluashvili, former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, and former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze. Several of Liluashvili’s associates and relatives were later detained, and large sums of cash were seized during searches.

Liluashvili resigned as head of the State Security Service on Apr. 2 this year. Initial reports suggested he would be appointed regional development minister, but the decision was later reversed.

Other Topics of Interest

Eight Killed in Deadliest B-52 Crash in Decades

The B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base during a test flight supporting a radar modernization program.

Power struggle within Georgian Dream

The arrest comes amid what observers describe as an internal reshuffle within the ruling Georgian Dream party, with law enforcement agencies increasingly targeting figures previously considered part of the party’s inner power circle.

In recent months, several individuals linked to Liluashvili – including close associates, relatives, and business partners – have been detained or questioned as part of the expanding investigation. Large sums of cash were seized during searches, and prosecutors have signaled that additional arrests may follow.

Liluashvili himself had long been viewed as a key figure within Georgian Dream’s informal power vertical, enjoying significant influence over security and law enforcement institutions until his resignation earlier this year.

He headed the State Security Service from 2019 until April 2025 and was considered a close ally of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, playing a key role in shaping Georgia’s domestic security policy during years marked by growing concerns over democratic backsliding and politicization of state institutions.