Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered in Avshar, Police Report

The police have reported today that an illegal mining operation has been uncovered in Avshar, causing the state a damage of approximately 95 million 797 thousand drams.

According to the Organized Crime Department of the Police, operational information was received regarding a company engaged in mining activities that had violated the rules for the use and conservation of subsoil resources and operated without special permission from 2013 to 2015, conducting illegal business activities.

"Based on the information, during the preparation of materials, it was revealed that in March 2013, the company acquired mining equipment from another company and was also granted the administrative area located in the Avshar community of the Ararat region, totaling 10 hectares, which was in the process of obtaining a license for operation at that time," the report states.

According to the currently available evidence from the investigation, the company conducted illegal mining activities from March 2013 until March 2016 under such circumstances. "During that time, travertine of 2649.6 square meters and a volume of 9717.9 cubic meters was extracted, of which approximately 9379.7 cubic meters was sold in cash without appropriate accounting documents. According to the known data at this time, the state has suffered financial damage of around 95,797,000 drams," the police report conveys.

A criminal case has been initiated regarding the incident. An investigation is ongoing.