No Child Adopted Abroad Returned to Armenia During Illegal Adoption Investigation: ICC

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has issued a statement informing that during the investigation of a criminal case concerning the illegal adoption of children by foreigners, no children adopted abroad have been returned to the Republic of Armenia.

“Considering the public's interest, the Department of Human Trafficking, Sexual Integrity of Minors, and Illegal Drug Trafficking Crimes of the Investigative Committee of Armenia informs that no child adopted abroad has been returned to Armenia during the investigation of the criminal case regarding illegal adoptions by foreigners. Moreover, no genetic (DNA) examinations have been assigned concerning the adopted children or their biological parents within the framework of the criminal case,” the statement reads.

In response to concerns raised by international organizations involved in the adoption process, the pre-investigation body notes that it has never disseminated information regarding any irregularities committed by these organizations during the process, nor has it organized adoptions for the purpose of illegal organ trafficking.

To date, the pre-investigation body has only published information about apparent illegal activities in Armenia carried out by various individuals and institutions involved in the adoption process, without violating the permissible limits of the information subject to publication.

At the same time, it is emphasized that all citizens who provide information to the media regarding these processes may also share that data with the pre-investigation body to be subjected to investigation within the framework of the criminal case. Additionally, it is stated that the data of both applicants and the adopted children and their parents are not subject to publication and are considered confidential,” the Investigative Committee noted.