The Pirosmani restaurant in Karlovy Vary, a picturesque spa town in the Czech Republic known for its hot springs and elegant architecture, offers an inviting atmosphere with a modest four-table setup and walls adorned with photographs of its owner, Asmat Shanava, alongside notable public figures such as former Czech President Václav Klaus. This cozy Georgian eatery, named after the celebrated Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, seems at first glance to be an ordinary business run by an industrious and well-connected entrepreneur. But behind the warm ambiance and traditional cuisine lies a web of complex associations linking Shanava to individuals with alleged ties to the Russian criminal underworld, as well as a Kremlin-backed foundation accused of supporting espionage activities across Europe.

Asmat Shanava presents herself as a successful Georgian businesswoman in the heart of Central Europe. She speaks fluent Russian and Georgian, and has cultivated relationships that extend far beyond the culinary world. During an investigative visit, Shanava was overheard conducting phone conversations in a mix of Georgian and Russian, displaying a fluency and familiarity that hints at deeper connections.

Czech corporate records reveal a striking detail: at least three companies linked to figures identified in media reports and court documents as members of the Russian criminal underworld were registered at the address of the Pirosmani restaurant. This unusual overlap between a restaurant and shadowy corporate entities raises questions about the true nature of Shanava’s operations and associations.

Further, leaked emails obtained by journalists indicate Shanava’s involvement in facilitating payments for a foundation tied to the Russian government, the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad, known as Pravfond. The foundation has been sanctioned by the European Union due to its suspected involvement in disinformation campaigns and its support of Russian intelligence operatives abroad.

Pravfond operates under the guise of assisting Russian citizens living abroad, ostensibly supporting their rights and welfare. However, European intelligence agencies and investigative journalists have linked the foundation to covert efforts aimed at advancing Russian geopolitical interests, including funding influence operations and protecting notorious figures connected........

© Blitz