The officers of Anti-corruption Agency and State Security Department under SSG, as a result of joint operative-searching and investigative activities, detained Amiran Sh. On the fact of bribery. Investigation established, that, Amiran Sh. organized construction of an artisanal tunnel from the shop situating on the territory of Zestaphoni Agrarian market, aiming at illegal mining and subsequent sale of Silicomanganese slag. 2 meters deep tunnel which covered hundreds of meters is constructed from which the slag was mined illegally.

In order to seek protection for the illegal activities Amiran Sh. got in touch with Rapid Reaction Unit chief specialist, of Western Regional Office under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and offered him 700 GEL as a bribe and in case of successful development of the illegal works, promised to periodically pay him some amount of money. Amiran Sh. handed the public official promised sum – 700 GEL when he was detained.

Investigation is carried out on the fact of bribery. (Article 339, part II of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages from 4 to 7 years of imprisonment). Investigations is carried out by the Anti-corruption Agency under SSG. It should be noted, that investigation continues in order to establish environmental damage amount caused by illegal mining of slag and identify other possible criminals.