Founder Of Georgian Co-Investment Fund Charged In Cryptocurrency Scandal

Key Points:

• Georgian Co-Investment Fund founder George Bachiashvili was charged with cryptocurrency misappropriation and money laundering.
• Allegations claim he obtained a substantial amount of Bitcoin through mining in 2015 using raised funds.
• Bachiashvili could face nine to twelve years in prison; the fund denies involvement.

George Bachiashvili, the founder of the prominent Georgian Co-Investment Fund, is facing serious charges of cryptocurrency misappropriation and money laundering, as reported by Georgian news outlet Agenda.

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia alleges that Bachiashvili, who played a key role in managing the $6 billion private equity fund contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP, unlawfully obtained a substantial amount of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, dating back to 2015.

Investigation findings reveal that Bachiashvili utilized funds personally raised by himself and an undisclosed investor to invest in Bitcoin mining. A foreign firm was contracted for mining services, with the total agreement valued at $6.3 million, with the investor contributing $5 million to the venture.

The Prosecutor’s Office claims that Bachiashvili later seized the generated profit of 8,253.13 Bitcoins in 2017, amounting to over $39 million. Only a meager $536,900 was reportedly paid to the investor. Bachiashvili allegedly concealed the details of the misappropriated funds, transferring them to various wallets for undisclosed financial operations, enabling him to freely manage and utilize the illegal proceeds. He is a significant person in Georgia, having formed a private equity business that accounts for around 40% of Georgia’s GDP.

If found guilty, Bachiashvili could face a prison sentence ranging from nine to twelve years. In response to the charges, the Georgian Co-Investment Fund released a statement clarifying that the organization was not involved in the alleged actions. They further emphasized that Bachiashvili had not served as a director for several years, highlighting a distinction between his individual actions and the activities of the fund.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against George Bachiashvili underscores the significance of cryptocurrency-related crimes and the potential consequences faced by those implicated in such activities.

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