The non-governmental organization “Georgia — Information Center for Combating Corruption” issues a public appeal to the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the Labor Inspection Service.
The statement raises questions regarding the use of specific commercial premises in Batumi, lease terms, payments, company activities, and employees’ rights.
Questions About the Actual Use of Commercial Premises
The statement notes that it is important for the public to know who actually uses specific commercial premises, in what form, and under what conditions.
According to the author, there are a number of important questions regarding the building in Batumi, including questions related to the information displayed on the building’s façade.
Issue of Information Displayed on the Building Façade
The author considers the information displayed on the building’s façade particularly suspicious.
According to the statement, the sign displayed outside creates the impression that the premises are still available for rent, while available information suggests that the relevant spaces in the building have been leased for years and that specific activity has been carried out there.
Main Questions Regarding the Status of the Premises
The statement raises the question of why information is displayed on the building’s façade that may not reflect the actual status of the premises.
Another question is why the real name of the company that actually uses the premises is not publicly and clearly indicated.
Issue of Lease Payments
The statement pays particular attention to the issue of lease payments.
According to the author, if the lease agreement indicates one relatively low amount, while the amount actually paid for the use of the premises may be higher, this circumstance requires financial and tax inspection by the relevant state agencies.
Questions Related to Financial and Tax Matters
The statement raises several specific questions:
What amount is indicated in the lease agreement;
How much money does the lessor actually receive each month;
Whether bank and accounting transactions match the amount specified in the agreement;
Whether there is a difference between the amount declared in the agreement and the amount actually paid;
If such a difference exists, how these amounts are reflected in accounting and tax documentation;
Why the actual tenant and the company carrying out the activity are not clearly indicated on the building’s façade;
Whether there are several interconnected companies through which essentially the same activity is being carried out.
Need for Legal Assessment
The statement emphasizes that these circumstances do not automatically indicate a violation of the law.
According to the author, the relevant investigative and supervisory authorities must establish the actual situation and assess all circumstances in accordance with the law.
Appeal to the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance and the Anti-Corruption Bureau
The non-governmental organization appeals to the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the Anti-Corruption Bureau to examine lease agreements, payments, accounting documentation, and relationships between companies.
The statement also notes that, if relevant grounds exist, the authorities should take measures provided for by law regarding possible money laundering and tax evasion.
Request to the Labor Inspection Service
The author of the statement requests that the Labor Inspection Service examine the condition of employees working at the facility.
In particular, it should be established whether employees have labor contracts, how they are paid, whether employment is declared, and whether the requirements of Georgian labor legislation are being observed.
The statement also notes that for years there has been information in the public domain about possible violations of employees’ rights in this building.
Public’s Right to Receive Answers
The statement emphasizes that the public has the right to know why, if the building has been leased for years, information is still displayed outside suggesting that the premises are available for rent.
Another question is why, if a specific company has been using the premises for years, its real name is not clearly displayed on the building’s façade.
In addition, if one lease amount is indicated in the agreement and another amount is actually paid, it must be established where the difference is reflected and whether the relevant taxes are paid.
Responsibility of State Agencies
According to the author, these questions should not remain only questions raised on social media.
It is the responsibility of the relevant state agencies to verify the facts and provide the public with a substantiated answer.
Additional Questions
The statement also raises the question of what connection former high-ranking official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system and Police Major General Resan Kontselidze may have with the building and the companies operating there.
A question is also raised regarding a possible connection with former Batumi Mayor Lasha Komakhidze.
Non-Governmental Organization
“Georgia — Information Center for Combating Corruption”