Warrant Issued for Aram Harutyunyan, Also Known as 'Bulki Aram'

The former Minister of Environment, Aram Harutyunyan, has been named as a suspect in a significant bribery and money laundering case. This information was reported by Aurora Media, citing sources from the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

"Based on sufficient evidence obtained during the preliminary investigation of a criminal case initiated by the Special Investigative Service of Armenia regarding bribery of particularly large amounts, Aram Harutyunyan has been charged under part 2 of clause 4 of article 311 and part 1 of article 190 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. He is accused of receiving particularly large bribes, aided by individuals close to him, while acting as a prominent figure in the executive branch of the Republic of Armenia, subsequently legalizing property acquired through criminal means," the statement reads.

According to the charges, Harutyunyan, who held the position of Minister of Environment from June 8, 2007, was also the chair of the interagency competition commission for the formation of mineral rights on strategic natural resource areas. He allegedly solicited and received a bribe equivalent to 14 million USD (approximately 4.2 billion AMD) from businessman Silva Hambardzumyan for facilitating the awarding of 10 special licenses for mining exploration to companies owned by her, extending the exploration periods, and aiding in the acquisition of permits for the exploitation of these resources.

As a result, during the period from January to November 2008, the 10 special licenses for the exploration of mineral resources located in various areas of Syunik, Lori, and Gegharkunik provinces were granted to companies affiliated with S. H. Meanwhile, S. H. reportedly cashed out 6 million USD from her bank accounts through an intermediary, delivering the amount to Harutyunyan.

The remaining portion of the requested bribe, totaling 8 million USD, was reportedly received by Harutyunyan through transfers made to various accounts opened in the United Arab Emirates with the assistance of his associates. Subsequently, in an attempt to conceal the true origin of these illegally obtained sums and to legitimize them, he transferred these funds to a bank account of an international company located in Switzerland, setting up regular transfers from that account to a company operating in Armenia, which is owned by close acquaintances.

A warrant has been issued for Aram Harutyunyan's arrest. An investigator from the Special Investigative Service has filed a petition with the General Jurisdiction Court of Yerevan to choose detention as a preventive measure against him.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing," the report concludes.

Notice: The suspect or accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law defined by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, based on a legally valid court verdict.