Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 16 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The Georgian law-enforcement agencies have arrested two Israeli businessmen in Batumi - apparently on suspicion of bribery. They were arrested for offering a $7-million bribe to Georgian Deputy Finance Ministry Avtandil Kharaidze for concluding a deal harmful for the country, the Georgian Prosecutor General's Office told Trend.
"Two businessmen Ronnie Fuchs and Frank Zeer were arrested at a restaurant during a meeting with Kharaidze. Their partner Ivanos Kardosopulos, who is abroad, is also connected to this crime," First Deputy Chief Prosecutor David Sakvarelidze said. На латинице
The entrepreneurs acted in the interests of the company "Tremeks" trying to get compensation for lost rights to oil and gas in Georgia. Rights to mine the company received in 1991, they were later transferred to the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation.
"Tremeks" trying to obtain compensation ($ 700 million), referring to the arbitration court, but not succeeded. Bribe was proposed in order to receive compensation. The company offered $ 7 million bribe so that Kharaidze assisted in obtaining at least $ 100 million from the government.
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