Ananyan is Confident that Mashadyan is Not a Gambler

The Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, Rafik Mashadyan, is not a gambler. Today, during a meeting with journalists, the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, Davit Ananyan, refuted the media reports circulating about his deputy.

“I have known Rafik Mashadyan since September 1, 1988; we are 30-year friends. And imagine, we have never even discussed the topic of whether to place a bet or not. Do you know why? Because I know that there is no such thing,” Ananyan said.

The State Revenue Committee Chairman emphasized that no one, including public servants, is prohibited from placing bets, provided that this habit does not turn into an addiction. “But if there is a person who continually loses while placing bets and is trying to find money from various sources, which may jeopardize the performance of their official duties, we have no path to walk with such a person,” assured the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee.

It should be noted that, according to media reports, Rafik Mashadyan is a regular visitor to betting offices and places bets of 10-15 million drams each time. Mashadyan himself has denied these reports.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Rafik Mashadyan is the grandson of Anna Hakobyan’s stepmother. After Mashadyan's appointment, Anna Hakobyan stated that they do not have close relations, her husband does not know him at all, and they last met at a relative's funeral in 2010.

The media has also discussed Rafik Mashadyan's bonus of 9 million 60 thousand drams received in December 2018.