NSS Invites Arthur Vanetsyan to Investigative Body

The National Security Service of Armenia, emphasizing the importance of providing information to the public within acceptable limits and aiming to prevent the dissemination of misinformation by certain interested or independently motivated groups, has announced that a service investigation has been conducted at the NSS. This investigation aimed to clarify the circumstances surrounding the appointment of a former senior group member (division head) within the NSS.

During the investigation, it was found that the former director of the NSS, disregarding the age limitations set by Article 16 of the Law on Service in the National Security Bodies of Armenia, appointed a person who had previously been discharged from service at the age of 51 and held the military rank of lieutenant colonel on July 18, 2018. It was revealed that this former officer had requested the former NSS director to be reinstated in military service, and by that time, he had already turned 51 years old, which according to Article 16 of the aforementioned law, sets the age limit for service in the national security bodies at 50 years for lieutenant colonels.

As a result of the investigation, the findings regarding the abuses of official authority were reported to the director of the NSS who was in office during that period. However, the director issued instructions to prepare a draft order for admitting him to military service in the NSS and present it to him. Consequently, by the order of the former director of the NSS, the individual who had turned 51 and had previously been discharged with the military rank of lieutenant colonel was appointed to a senior group position, thereby also receiving the rank of colonel.

Considering that the investigation provided sufficient evidence of alleged abuses of official authority, the materials were transferred to the investigative department of the NSS for processing in compliance with Articles 180-181 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia. During the preparation of these materials, it became necessary to obtain an explanation from the former director of the NSS, which leads the investigative body to invite him to the investigative body, allowing him the opportunity to submit his arguments in writing.

It should also be noted that no damages to the state have been restored as a result of this individual's tenure.

Notice: The presumed offender or accused is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court decision in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.