Former Deputy Defence Minister Giorgi Khaindrava Arrested for Embezzlement of State Funds
According to the State Security Service of Georgia, former Deputy Defence Minister Giorgi Khaindrava has been arrested for his alleged role in the misappropriation of state budget resources. Alongside Khaindrava, two others were also detained: the former Head of the Ministry of Defence’s Procurement Department and a relative of former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze.
The State Security Service’s Anti-Corruption Agency, following a court ruling, conducted operational searches and investigative actions that led to the arrests. The agency’s statement identifies the individuals involved as G.Kh. (former Deputy Minister), V.V. (former Procurement Head), and V.M. (relative of the former minister). The investigation revealed that in 2023, the group conspired and embezzled 1,333,728 GEL from the Ministry of Defence by abusing their official positions and acting in coordination.
Chairman of the Political Council of the United National Movement, Levan Khabeishvili, alleged that former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze had also been detained the day prior but was released under the condition that he deliver a specific sum of money to Bidzina Ivanishvili. According to Khabeishvili, failure to comply would result in Burchuladze facing the same fate as his deputy and relative.
Juansher Burchuladze is widely regarded as part of the inner circle of former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. Another figure linked to that circle, former Deputy Minister of Economy Romeo Mikautadze, was arrested on June 21, 2025. The Prosecutor’s Office charged Mikautadze with abuse of official authority and money laundering. According to the indictment, in 2021 Mikautadze facilitated the sale of an LLC—originally founded by him—to another company for $4.4 million, from which he personally received approximately $400,000.
Kaladze Slams MEGOBARI Act, Accuses U.S. Congressman of Corruption
Tbilisi Mayor and senior Georgian Dream party figure Kakha Kaladze has launched a harsh critique of the MEGOBARI Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Kaladze dismissed the legislation—which aims to counter Russian influence and support democratic processes in Georgia—as being “full of slander and lies,” while accusing one of its main sponsors, Congressman Joe Wilson, of corruption.
“We still do not know what final decision will be made on the MEGOBARI Act,” Kaladze stated. “But one thing is clear: this document is riddled with falsehoods and slander. It has been proven how this narrative was inserted into the Congressional bill—$360,000 was paid to promote this agenda, including $87,000 allegedly received by Congressman Wilson to defame Georgia and flood the act with misinformation. This is not speculation; this is a reality uncovered under the U.S. FARA law.”
The MEGOBARI Act (Making Enemies Get Out By Addressing Russian Influence) passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now awaits consideration in the Senate. The bill calls for stronger U.S. support for democratic institutions in Georgia and a firmer stance against increasing Russian political and economic influence. It highlights the deterioration of democratic standards and human rights in Georgia and proposes targeted sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for democratic backsliding and authoritarian governance.
Kaladze’s accusations reflect growing tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream party and Western partners, as criticism intensifies over Georgia’s democratic trajectory and geopolitical alignment.
EU Condemns Georgian Dream for Spreading Disinformation and Anti-Western Conspiracy Theories
The European Union has issued a sharp rebuke to the ruling Georgian Dream party, accusing it of spreading disinformation and baseless allegations about the EU’s role in Georgia. The statement, signed by Anouar El Anouni, the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, categorically rejects claims made by Georgian authorities and affiliated media outlets.
“The European Union categorically rejects and condemns the spread of disinformation and unfounded accusations by the Georgian authorities about the EU’s role in Georgia,” the statement reads. “Recent false statements suggesting that the EU seeks to destabilise Georgia, involve it in war, or impose so-called non-traditional values are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”
The EU criticised these narratives as being rooted in “Russian-style conspiracy theories,” warning that such rhetoric only serves those who oppose Georgia’s democratic development and European integration. The statement also strongly condemned recent personal attacks against the EU Ambassador to Georgia, reaffirming that he “plays a vital role in strengthening EU-Georgia relations” and has the “full trust and support of the EU.”
The EU called on Georgian political actors and state-aligned media to cease their “provocative personal attacks” and to work instead toward the country’s European future.
For years, Georgian Dream leaders and pro-government media have propagated the conspiracy theory that, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West pressured Georgia to open a “second front” by engaging militarily with Russia. This claim has become a central pillar of the ruling party’s anti-Western narrative. It has been repeatedly used during election campaigns to promote their self-proclaimed success in “preserving peace.”
The EU’s response signals increasing diplomatic strain and highlights growing concern in Brussels over the Georgian government’s drift away from its previously stated European aspirations.