3.5 Million AMD Embezzlement at Vanadzor Number 1 Polyclinic: Criminal Case Initiated

On April 1, 2020, through the governor of Lori province, a complaint was received by the regional prosecutor's office regarding the irregularities at the "Vanadzor Number 1 Polyclinic." It was reported that a citizen was formally employed by the officials of the private company, and salary payments were processed in their name, but these funds were embezzled through misappropriation methods. This was reported by the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia.

Under the directive of the regional prosecutor's office, during the preparation of materials in the Bazum Police Department of Armenia regarding the aforementioned complaint, evident factual data were obtained that the director of the "Vanadzor Number 1 Polyclinic," possessing organizational and managerial authority and being an official, had the right to manage the company's financial resources and sign employment contracts. On March 1, 2011, he formally employed his sister-in-law as a sanitary worker through the signing of an employment contract with the same organization.

Then, from March 1, 2011, to October 2, 2017, despite the director being fully aware that she did not attend work and did not fulfill her work obligations, fabricated "Work Time Calculation Reports" were prepared to ensure additional income for the family of that individual, based on selfish motivations. Fake information about her attendance and actual hours worked during this period was included in these reports.

These fraudulent documents were submitted for payment, resulting in a substantial amount of 3.5 million AMD being unjustifiably withdrawn from the organization’s budget in the name of the individual for the days she had not worked, which she received and used for her personal needs. By abusing his official position, a particularly large sum of money was embezzled from the organization's resources.

A criminal case has been initiated at the Lori regional prosecutor's office under part 3 of Article 179 and part 1 of Article 314 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. The case has been sent to the Lori regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia for further investigation.

Note: The person suspected of the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia, as determined by a legally binding court verdict.