I Saw How They Punish, That's Why We Decided to Pay: Former Accountant of "Yans" Talks About Vachagan Ghazaryan

In a conversation with reporters today, Susanna Aristakesean, the former chief accountant of the "Yans" restaurant complex, described her ordeal involving Vachagan Ghazaryan. She recounted how in 2013, the director of "Yans" sent her to the office of Ghazaryan's wife, Rouzanna Beglaryan, who accused her of theft, claiming that she had robbed her and her family.

"She told me to either commit suicide, pay 40 million drams, or face imprisonment. Vachagan Ghazaryan made a better proposal: to pay the 40 million and still be sentenced," Aristakesean said.

The former accountant insisted that the root of the issue was that Vachagan Ghazaryan had settled a bill of 80,000 drams after dining at "Yans." Even though she maintained that she had recorded the amount in the cash register, both Ghazaryan and his wife accused her of embezzling that money and more.

Aristakesean further narrated that they initially paid 6 million drams, and finding no relief from the persecution, they sold their property to pay an additional 34 million drams.

Nevertheless, a criminal case was initiated against the accountant based on the report by Vachagan Ghazaryan and his wife. She was invited to the 6th department and was surprised to find that although they had demanded 40 million drams, only 25 million was stated in the lawsuit. "My husband and I decided to pay because I had seen how things play out when Vachagan Ghazaryan or his son, Mher, punish someone. I have intervened a few times, pulling the victim away from under his assault," she added.

Aristakesean and her husband have since approached the National Security Service.