Former Head of Vanadzor Penitentiary Arrested

The former head of the Vanadzor penitentiary has been arrested in connection with alleged abuses by officials at the facility and the acceptance of bribes. The arrest of A. H., who held the position from February 23, 2018, to August 7, 2019, comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigative Service of Armenia.

The authorities have revealed that during his tenure as the head of the Vanadzor penitentiary, A. H. engaged in flagrant illegal actions benefiting a prisoner with significant influence among those incarcerated, displaying negligence in certain instances. This included unlawfully allowing that inmate and others under his “protection” to exit their cells; permitting the use of prohibited items such as mobile phones and other devices during their sentences; and facilitating the smuggling of food and various items into the penitentiary against established regulations in exchange for a substantial bribe.

To avert possible exposure, A. H. coordinated with his acquaintance, S. G., who collected a bribe of 1,500 USD equivalent to 725,740 AMD from a resident of Vanadzor at his dental clinic in Tashir in the spring of 2019, which was subsequently delivered to the penitentiary head.

The investigation into other instances of the alleged crimes and all individuals involved is ongoing.

Note: A suspect or accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court verdict that has taken legal effect according to the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.