20 Criminal Cases Opened Over Illegal Real Estate Rentals in Syunik

Based on materials prepared by the Syunik regional prosecutor's office, a total of 20 criminal cases have been initiated and are under investigation by the Syunik Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia as of May 12. These cases pertain to the provision of state and municipal property for rent and abuses committed by tenants subleasing to telecommunications operators in the communities of the region.

The criminal cases specifically relate to the communities of Kapan, Lernadzor in the Kajaran community, Agarak and Alvank in the Meghri community, Harjis in the Tatev community, and several locations in the Sisian community including Angehakot, Shaki, Tahanhat, Arevis, Vahatn, Aghitu, Soflu (G. Nzhdeh), Bnunis, Akhlatyan, Lor, and Darbas. Instances of apparent abuse of official powers by both current and former leaders of these communities, including present administrative heads, were recorded.

Among these, three criminal cases were initiated under the first part of Article 308 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, two under the second part of Article 38-308, and fifteen under the second part of Article 308 of the Criminal Code.

According to the materials of the criminal cases, since 2006, the heads of the communities (administrative leaders) have leased state or community-owned agricultural land through formal competitions to themselves, close relatives, or subordinates at nominal rental prices, while a small portion of these plots has subsequently been rented out at significantly higher rates for the installation and operation of communication stations to telecommunications companies. As a result, the lessees have been receiving substantial profits over the years from the use of community-owned land, while the communities have been deprived of access to this financial resource.

The communities mentioned in the cases have suffered an overall damage of 82,561,042 AMD, of which 31,742,916 AMD has been recovered as of May 12. Active measures are also being undertaken to recover the remaining losses.

Four community leaders have been charged under the second part of Article 308 of the Criminal Code. However, considering that the defendants have voluntarily fully compensated the damage caused to the community and have provided confessional testimonies, non-custodial measures have been chosen for them. The preliminary investigation in the criminal cases is ongoing.

As of May 12, five illegal subleasing contracts with telecommunications operator companies have been terminated. The Syunik Regional Prosecutor's Office, in coordination with the regional administration, is taking appropriate measures to annul similar other contracts as well.