Large Amounts of Money Embezzled: Charges Filed Against Officials by NSS

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, by steadfastly combating various manifestations of corruption, has acquired factual data through operational and investigative measures undertaken within the scope of its legal functions.

It was revealed that the former head of the Garni division of the Kotayk regional directorate of the Police of Armenia, during their tenure as an official endowed with the powers of a representative of the authorities, and as the head of the investigative body, failed to perform official duties and, contrary to the interests of the service, did not take measures to uncover the instances of embezzlement of significant amounts of money from citizens under the pretext of allocating lands in the old cemetery of the Dzoraghbyur community, organized by acquaintances of theirs.

Specifically, based on a report from a resident of the Dzoraghbyur community concerning an instance of another burial taking place at their father's grave, the aforementioned official accepted a substantial amount of cash as a bribe in February 2019 for explicitly illegal actions, instructing the investigator to divert the course of the investigation, ignore and conceal evidence and circumstances of significant importance to the case. Following the order from the division head, the investigator distorted the content of explanations taken from several citizens, leading to a decision to refuse to initiate criminal proceedings on the grounds of lacking elements of a crime.

As a result, severe consequences were inflicted on the legitimate interests of the state in the area of justice, creating conditions to free an individual, who allegedly committed a serious crime, from proper criminal liability, undermining the essence of justice and public trust in state authority.

As part of the ongoing criminal case regarding the apparent crime, charges have been filed against the two aforementioned officials under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia, one of whom has provided confessional statements and reiterated them during confrontation. A measure of restraint has been selected for both, and the preliminary investigation continues.

Notice: A suspect or accused of the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court decision in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.