Former Deputy Minister of Economics Arrested in Georgia

The law enforcement agencies of Georgia have arrested Romeo Mikautadze, the former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. He is suspected of abuse of official power and large-scale money laundering.

Mikautadze is a member of the ruling team and held the deputy ministerial position from 2017 until February 2024. According to a statement from the State Security Service of Georgia, while in office, he used his influence and connections to provide illicit advantages to certain individuals in the energy sector for personal gain.

The agency claims that he unlawfully acquired shares in energy companies and hydropower plants. Corruption schemes associated with the former official have been reported by Georgia's non-governmental media for an extended period.