2013-01-24 on January 24, officers of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Division of the Ministry of Finance’s investigating department arrested Governor Tsezar Chocheli on charges of legalization of illegal income and entrepreneurial activities. In particular, the investigation alleges that while holding a position of Governor Tsezar Chocheli was illegally involved in activities of New Energy Ltd. “He was providing protection to the company and was helping them sign contracts for implementation of projects funded by the state budget. In return, he received great amount of income and was legalizing it by means of money laundering”. On January 27, Chocheli was released on bail from Gldani Prison. He has been charged under Articles 194 and 337 of the Criminal Code – legalization of illegal income or money laundering and illegal involvement in entrepreneurial activities.