The 'Black Fortress' Illegally Transferred to a Private Individual: Revelation

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Agency has obtained factual data indicating that, based on a government decree dated June 6, 1995, the 'Black Fortress' in Gyumri was transferred to the Ministry of Defense's accounting. According to Article 13 of the RA Law on the Protection and Use of Immovable Monuments of History and Culture, the fortress was included in the state list of immovable monuments of history and culture in Shirak Province by a government decision on September 9, 2004. Furthermore, in April 2005, the ownership rights certificate issued by the committee's Gyumri territorial division was granted to the Ministry of Defense.

Subsequently, high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Defense and Justice, motivated by personal interests and contrary to the interests of public service, abused their powers and violated the requirements of point 'B' of Article 2 of the RA Law on Immovable Monuments of History and Culture Regarding State Property Not Subject to Alienation. They illegally organized the process of transferring the state-owned 'Black Fortress' of republican significance in Gyumri to a private individual. This was done by formally referring to a government decision dated January 25, 2005, regarding the alienation of plots allocated to the Ministry of Defense, which were not related to the monument's alienation.

A sales agreement was subsequently signed between an authorized representative of the Ministry of Defense and the private buyer, which was certified by a notary on May 11, 2005, in violation of Article 52 of the RA Law on Notaries.

Moreover, the competent officials from the territorial division of the committee, also motivated by personal interests and abusing their official powers, violated the requirements of Article 30 of the RA Law on State Registration of Property Rights on May 19, 2005, and registered the 'Black Fortress' under the name of the aforementioned private individual. As a result, significant damage was caused to the legal interests of the state represented by the Ministry of Defense.

A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident, which has been forwarded to the Investigative Committee.