Head of Shirak Center of National Food Safety Service Took Large Bribes: NSS

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has reported that, following a comprehensive and effective investigation, sufficient factual data was obtained regarding the head of the Shirak regional center of the Food Safety Inspectorate, formerly the State Food Safety Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia, A.M., who, in preliminary agreement with six chief specialist inspectors working under him, abused his official position, causing significant harm to state interests.

According to the NSS, A.M. and the inspectors demonstrated blatant illegal inaction for the benefit of several entrepreneurs who violated food safety requirements established by Armenian legislation in the administrative territory of Shirak province. Specifically, they failed to record violations and did not conduct inspections in a number of companies as required by law. Between October 2017 and February 19, 2019, they demanded a particularly large bribe of 1,202,592 AMD (one million two hundred two thousand five hundred ninety-two AMD) from business entities operating in the province and the acting director of kindergarten No. 4 in Artik.

After negotiations, they received a total of 1,132,592 AMD (one million one hundred thirty-two thousand five hundred ninety-two AMD) in bribes. Based on the sufficient evidence collected during the preliminary investigation, criminal prosecutions were initiated against A.M., the six chief specialist inspectors, and 14 business operators on charges of demanding and receiving a particularly large bribe, abuse of official authority, and bribery in varying amounts.

It should be noted that during a search conducted at A.M.'s residence, 9,100 US dollars and 100 euros were discovered and seized. These amounts were placed under arrest by the preliminary investigation authority to ensure civil claims, possible confiscation, and court costs.

Given the relevant legal conditions and with the consent of the supervising prosecutor, the prosecuting body decided to temporarily suspend the officials' duties. On September 16, 2020, the criminal case concerning the mentioned 21 individuals was sent to the supervising prosecutor for the approval of the indictment and for it to be forwarded to court for substantive examination.

Note: The individual suspected or accused of the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court sentence.