Georgia’s former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili received a five-year prison sentence on January 11, 2026, after pleading guilty to large-scale money laundering under Article 194, part three of the Georgian Criminal Code. The Prosecutor’s Office announced the plea agreement, which the court approved, imposing an additional fine of 1 million lari (approximately $370,000) and ordering confiscation of criminally obtained funds. Investigators linked the charges to illegal business activities and falsified income declarations from 2019 to 2024, during his roles as Defense Minister and Prime Minister.
Background and Investigation
The case originated from October 2023 raids by Georgian special services on homes of former officials, including Garibashvili’s residence, where authorities seized over $7 million in cash and assets. Prosecutors alleged Garibashvili concealed illegal income from prohibited commercial ventures by declaring it as family gifts in tax returns. This marked a rare prosecution of a senior Georgian Dream party figure amid broader anti-corruption efforts targeting elites.
Garibashvili’s Political Career
Born in 1982, Garibashvili entered politics in 2012 as a close ally of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party. He served as Minister of Internal Affairs (2012-2013), Prime Minister (2013-2015 and 2021-2024), and Defense Minister (2019-2021), becoming Georgia’s youngest premier at age 31. His tenures focused on EU integration, including signing the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in 2014, while navigating domestic controversies like protests and opposition arrests. Garibashvili resigned in January 2024 to lead the party, later returning to business before the 2025 raid.
Broader Political Context
Garibashvili’s conviction stands out as the first against a high-ranking Georgian Dream loyalist during a crackdown primarily targeting pro-Western opposition leaders. Critics view it amid ruling party turmoil, with accusations of Moscow alignment, while the government frames it as anti-corruption progress. Related probes involve associates like former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili, facing bribery charges. The ruling Georgian Dream has faced protests over perceived authoritarianism, contrasting this elite prosecution.
Reactions and Implications
Official statements confirm Garibashvili’s full admission and cooperation via the plea deal, avoiding a lengthier trial. Media reports highlight the $6.5-7 million seizure as evidence of systemic issues in elite finances. Politically, it signals potential internal reckoning within Georgian Dream post-2024 elections, impacting Georgia’s EU aspirations amid corruption scrutiny. No major opposition or international reactions were immediately reported, but analysts note it as a precedent for holding power figures accountable. This development underscores Georgia’s ongoing battle against money laundering in high places.