NSS Uncovers Bribery Case for Military Service Deferred in Exchange for Payment

The National Security Service (NSS) reports that a bribery case involving the deferral of mandatory military service in exchange for payment has been uncovered during the winter draft of 2019.

According to obtained factual data, a surgeon at the Scientific Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics agreed in December 2019, through acquaintances in official positions, to organize the process of deferring a young man of draft age from mandatory military service for three years. In return, he demanded and received a substantial bribe of $10,000 from the young man's mother, which was then transferred to the relevant official who resolved the issue of the draftee’s three-year deferral from mandatory military service.

As a result of sufficient factual evidence being obtained, the surgeon who facilitated the bribery has been apprehended. The person who paid the bribe and the intermediary have acknowledged the circumstances of giving the bribe in light of indisputable evidence. A criminal case has been initiated in the NSS investigative department in accordance with relevant articles of the Criminal Code regarding the obvious criminal acts, and the individual facilitating the acceptance of the bribe has been arrested. The investigation continues.

Note: The suspect or accused of the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in the manner prescribed by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court decision.