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Prosecution Seeks Confiscation of Assets from Former Defense Minister Burchuladze

By Messenger Staff
Friday, April 10, 2026
Prosecutors have moved to seize property valued at nearly 3 million GEL from former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze as his corruption trial continues. Prosecutor Ani Lekiashvili told reporters on April 8 that the state has ruled out a plea deal for Burchuladze at this stage, pushing instead for a full guilty verdict.

The requested confiscation targets assets the prosecution claims were acquired through illegal income and money laundering. These include a property in the Almond Gardens complex in Georgia and real estate purchased in Spain.

"Under procedural legislation, it is determined that when there is illegal or unsubstantiated property in the case that was used, including for the purpose of money laundering and legalization... this property must be confiscated," Lekiashvili said. "Accordingly, the prosecution demands the seizure of only the property of Juansher Burchuladze that specifically relates to these circumstances."

Burchuladze is charged with abuse of official authority and the legalization of illegal income (Articles 332 and 194 of the Criminal Code). The indictment alleges he was involved in a 2023 scheme to supply a military hospital with medical equipment at an inflated price of 3.94 million GEL, over 1.3 million GEL above its actual value. He is also accused of using fictitious real estate deals in Georgia to hide the 544,000-euro purchase of a home in Spain in 2025.

While the prosecution is seeking guilty verdicts for Burchuladze and co-defendants Giorgi Khaindrava and Vasil Mkheidze, a plea agreement is being considered for Vladimer Gudushauri, the former head of the procurement department.

If convicted, the former Defense Minister faces a prison sentence of 9 to 12 years. Defense lawyers have suggested that negotiations for a settlement may still be possible before the next hearing on April 16, though the Prosecutor's Office maintains its current stance on seeking a conviction.