Former boxer and businessman Giorgi Kandelaki, arrested on charges of illegal alcohol production, has pleaded not guilty, his lawyer Gagi Mosiashvili told InterpressNews.
Mosiashvili says “there may have been some kind of mistake,” stressing that the investigation will determine the truth. He argued that Kandelaki runs a legal business and rejected reports that his client’s factory was involved in illegal production.
“The charge has been officially filed, but the defense has not yet received the case materials. The factual circumstances described in the indictment do not correspond to reality,” Mosiashvili said. “The claims that Giorgi owns factories, land plots, or buildings where alcohol was produced are false. He has no connection to these properties or the alleged activity.”
The lawyer called the accusation “absurd” and said further clarification would be given after reviewing the case files.
Kandelaki has been transferred to the Kutaisi temporary detention center. The Tbilisi City Court is expected to decide today on a preventive measure.
The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance earlier reported seizing 75,137 bottles of alcoholic beverages and 318,000 packs of excise-free cigarettes. Seven people, including Kandelaki, were arrested in connection with the case.
Image: Former boxer Giorgi Kandelaki
