The Head of the Bagratashen Customs Does Not Engage in Business After Taking Office: Following the Report

Discussions surrounding one of the most controversial entities, the State Revenue Committee (SRC), are almost always heated. The astronomical bonuses and the rumors revolving around SRC Deputy Chairman Rafik Mashadyan and his son, Harutyun Mashadyan, have kept discussions about the entity alive.

In recent days, new discussions regarding the SRC have emerged. Days ago, businessman Artur Kharatyann filed a report alleging that the head of the Bagratashen customs checkpoint, Gegham Vanunyan, unlawfully failed to clear his goods, seized the keys to his truck, and subjected him to physical violence. An investigation is underway concerning the incident at the Bagratashen checkpoint.

It was also suggested that Vanunyan, being an SRC employee, is the founder of “Made to Make” LLC and is involved in business while supplying goods to the SRC. To clarify whether the customs chief is engaged in unlawful activities, ArmDaily.am spoke with Lusine Mkrtchyan, head of the SRC’s Information and Public Relations Department.

“Gegham Vanunyan has been working at the SRC since April 2019, and the supply has been made since 2017. He has been a businessman; who forbids a businessman from participating in procurements? After taking office at the SRC, he does not continue to manage that company. The organization is governed according to the law on delegated management. There can be no discussion of engaging in activities outside the law. No one can work at the SRC in violation of the law; they know about it here and keep quiet,” said Mkrtchyan.