Trial of founders of TBC Bank, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze continues
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Tuesday, December 3
The trial of the accused founders of TBC Bank Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, as well as the trial of Avtandil Tsereteli, is in progress.
When asked by judge Giorgi Arevadze whether he thinks he is guilty or not, Mamuka Khazaradze said that it is ‘complete absurd,’ and noted that he does not admit to the accusations 'in any way.'
Badri Japaridze also called the accusation "defamatory and fabricated" and said that he does not plead guilty.
As for Avtandil Tsereteli, he says that he can’t even understand 'what was presented' and what he was accused of.
Khazaradaze said that he bought a ticket for Bidzina Ivanishvili, “on the Tbilisi-Moscow route. The ticket is a business class because he is used to living a good life and can leave our country as soon as he wants.”
He said Georgia would be on the path of development once Ivanishvili leaves the country.
Before the court hearing, Badri Japaridze also made a political statement, saying that "unfortunately, the prosecutor's office is privatized by Ivanishvili." According to Japaridze, there is not and will be no evidence, nor a witness to what they are accused of, and therefore, “the fake political persecution continues.”
Khazaradze and Japaridze were formally charged on July 24, and on July 26, Tbilisi City Court imposed bail of GEL 700,000 on each of them. They had one month to pay the money. According to the court ruling, the founders of TBC Bank are forbidden to leave Georgia without informing the Prosecutor's Office.
Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze were charged with the legalization of illegal taxation of USD 16 664 000, which was followed by receiving a particularly large amount of money. As for Avtandil Tsereteli, he is accused of helping to legalize illegal income.
Khazaradze and Japaridze have left TBC Bank Supervisory Board to ensure that the allegations made against them would not affect the Group. They also left the positions of chairman and deputy chairman of the Anaklia Board of Governors.
According to a widespread opinion over the case, political persecution against Khazaradze by the ruling Georgian Dream party started because he announced to establish a new movement.
Khazaradze has been one of the biggest supporters of the Anaklia Port Project, which is one of the most important infrastructural projects for the Georgian economy. Anaklia Development Consortium consists of specialized firms with diverse backgrounds, which together form a global business leadership team that works with the Government to construct the port of Anaklia.
