Arrest Warrant Issued for Mikhail Minasian: Details from the State Revenue Committee

The Armenian National Revenue Committee has announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for Mikhail Ara Minasian, the former ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See, based on sufficient evidence obtained during the pre-investigation of a criminal case at the State Revenue Committee's investigative department.

Criminal cases were initiated against Minasian in March and April 2020 for allegedly committing socially dangerous acts. Following the adequate accumulation of evidence, a decision was made to involve Minasian as a suspect under Article 310.1 (illegal enrichment), Article 314.3 (concealment of information on particularly large amounts subject to declaration), and Article 190, part 3, clause 1 (legalization of property obtained through criminal means) of the RA Criminal Code.

According to the investigation, Minasian, as a person obliged to submit a declaration under the Armenian Law on Public Service, significantly increased his wealth during the reporting period of 2017-2018, which greatly exceeded his legal income and was not reasonably substantiated, thus indicating illegal enrichment. Additionally, it was revealed that he concealed and failed to declare information regarding particularly large amounts of property that were subject to declaration during the same periods, as well as legalized property obtained through illegal means.

On March 23, 2020, a decision was made to declare an arrest warrant for Mikhail Minasian, and the same day a request was submitted to the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan to implement detention as a measure of restraint against the accused.

The pre-investigation of the criminal case continues, focusing on the discovery of other potentially socially dangerous acts committed by Minasian and the identification of all persons involved.

At the same time, the Armenian National Revenue Committee, having demonstrated restraint in publicizing information regarding the pre-investigation for an extended period to maintain the confidentiality of the investigation, urges the public to avoid making unfounded and unsubstantiated assessments regarding the ongoing investigative and procedural actions.

Notice: A suspected or accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court decision that has entered into legal force, in accordance with the stipulations of the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code.