Georgian businessman arrested in Switzerland

Zurab Lobzhanidze, a rich Georgian businessman and former director of Madnieuli, has been arrested in Switzerland. Madnieuli is a mining enterprise and Mr Lobzhanidze is considered a close ally of Eduard Shevardnadze.

General Prosecutor of Georgia Iraklii Okruashvili told journalists that Mr Lobzhanidze was on the international wanted list and was arrested in Bern. He has property in Bern and the Swiss authorities have made him give a written undertaking not to leave the place. He will be handed over to the Georgian authorities within the coming month. He is accused of tax evasion and other financial machinations.