Cousin of Former Georgian Defense Minister Arrested in Armenia

Mikhail Benimini, the cousin of former Georgian Defense Minister David Kezerashvili, has been arrested in Armenia in connection with a global network of investment fraud involving call centers. This was reported by the pro-government television channel Rustavi 2.

According to the television channel, Benimini, who holds dual citizenship of Israel and Georgia, was arrested at the request of the German prosecutor's office. The investigation suspects that he was leading a branch of the Albanian network.

The television channel does not disclose its sources. So far, there have been no comments regarding Benimini's arrest from official authorities in Georgia or Germany.

In Israel, Benimini is implicated in a case of concealing $11.5 million in income. It has been noted that he earned this money through business partnerships with the company “Protective Shield” for consulting provided to Georgia's military sector from 2007 to 2009.