‘Joghouvout’. Secret Cameras Found in Vermishyan’s Office

‘Joghouvout’ newspaper reports that it has received information regarding Vahagn Vermishyan, the chairman of the Urban Development Committee who was arrested on February 10, 2020. He has been under the surveillance of the National Security Service (NSS) for an extended period. Furthermore, operational cameras were secretly installed in his office, recording the individuals who entered, the purpose of their visits, and more.

According to the information obtained by the newspaper, the accused in the case, former rector of the National University of Construction, Gagik Galstyan, told law enforcement that he was aware Vermishyan had gone to 'Vernissage' and wanted to buy commemorative medals named after Armenian architect and academician Jim Torosyan.

Gagik Galstyan, knowing about Vermishyan's desire and being well-acquainted with him, expressed his interest in purchasing those commemorative medals. Vermishyan agreed, and Galstyan arranged to meet with him in his office to pay the amount for the medals, which took place as planned.

The money handed over by Galstyan was counted by Vermishyan on the spot, a process recorded by the operational cameras. This video was later presented to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as evidence of bribery. Responding to Vermishyan’s arrest, the Prime Minister stated, “This is a personal insult to me and to the people of Armenia and the non-violent, velvet revolution of 2018.”