The State Security Service of Georgia has announced the arrest of Romeo Mikautadze, the former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. He has been charged with abuse of power and laundering millions of lari in illegal income.

According to the SSSG, between October 3, 2017, and February 9, 2024, Mikautadze, while holding high-ranking government positions, used his influence and connections in the energy sector to “illegally grant advantages to certain individuals for personal gain.” In return, he received shares in energy companies, hydroelectric power plants, and enterprises. These shares were formally registered under trusted individuals but were in fact controlled by Mikautadze himself, the SSSG stated.

“As a result of this illegal activity, R.M. obtained particularly large profits. Furthermore, while serving in senior positions at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, he systematically abused his official authority to the detriment of public interest — for personal benefit or in favor of others — causing serious harm to the legitimate interests of the state,” the SSSG statement reads.

Romeo Mikautadze served as Deputy Minister from 2021, and as First Deputy Minister from December 30, 2022, until February 11, 2024.