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Georgian Aide's Sentence Reduced After Crypto Embezzlement Plea

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Giorgi Bachiashvili, an aide to Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, was released after admitting guilt in a cryptocurrency embezzlement case.
His sentence dropped from over 15 years to a one-year term and a 50,000 lari fine.
Bachiashvili fled Georgia during the trial and was arrested on return, drawing concerns about political motivations.
Prosecutors dropped charges against his parents tied to laundering $3.5 million in cryptocurrency.

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Story summary

Giorgi Bachiashvili, an aide to Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, was released after admitting guilt in a cryptocurrency embezzlement case.
His sentence dropped from over 15 years to a one-year term and a 50,000 lari fine.
Bachiashvili fled Georgia during the trial and was arrested on return, drawing concerns about political motivations.
Prosecutors dropped charges against his parents tied to laundering $3.5 million in cryptocurrency.