Georgian Dream MP Mamuka Mdinaradze Clarifies 'Black Money' in 'Foreign Agents' Law
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Georgian Dream MP Mamuka Mdinaradze has clarified that discussions concerning "black money" from donors do not refer to funds classified under criminal law. Rather, they pertain to officially deposited funds whose amounts and purposes remain undisclosed.
Mdinaradze made this statement in response to a journalist's question, inquiring why relevant authorities weren't conducting investigations into the alleged influx of 'black money' and why state institutions appear inactive in addressing the issue.
MP emphasized that "black money" does not necessarily imply funds obtained unlawfully but refers to officially registered funds with undisclosed origins, amounts, and purposes. Mdinaradze stressed the opacity surrounding the expenditure of such funds, highlighting the lack of transparency in their use. He distinguished this definition from the conventional understanding of "black money" as illegally acquired funds.
"Black money - you're referring to black money under criminal law, and I've already explained it four times - either you're unaware, or you're intentionally disregarding it. If it's intentional, don't lie to people. If you're unaware, let me clarify once again. In this context, do you understand what we mean by black money?
The money that is received is officially registered, but we are unaware of the sender, the amount, and, more importantly, its intended use. This is the element and characteristic of the blackness of this money in this case.
I am not talking about that black money which is not visible and is called black money. In this case, we are talking about the black money that is being spent somewhere and we do not know how much it is and for what purpose. Shall we not call it black money? Is this also black money or not? Do you agree with me?
If, for example, some money is spent by you, which no one has any idea about, where is it spent, should we call it black money or not? Do we have the right? You call it black money, you call it non-transparent. We are talking about non-transparent black money," Mdinaradze said.
