NSS Reveals Corruption Mechanisms of Former Head of Yerevan's Arabkir Administrative District

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has revealed substantial evidence indicating corrupt practices by the former head of the Arabkir administrative district of Yerevan, who held office from 2005 to 2008. The official is accused of committing abuses of power for group interests, resulting in fraudulent acquisition of community property valued at approximately 300 million AMD.

Specifically, the former official is alleged to have colluded with members of the community council to manipulate the sale of several properties owned by the community through formal auctions or direct sales at significantly lower prices than their market and cadastral values. In August 2006, a decision by the Arabkir community council allowed the auction of an apartment on Mamigonian Street, starting at 3,350,000 AMD, while its cadastral value was over 5,492,500 AMD. During this sham auction, official falsified documents were allegedly created, leading to the property being sold to a participant who did not actually attend the auction.

Furthermore, in October 2006, the apartment in question was sold again for 14,440,000 AMD using a false power of attorney, and later transferred to another buyer for 16,361,930 AMD through fraudulent means. The NSS has gathered additional evidence regarding other land parcels and properties sold below their cadastral values, resulting in significant financial loss to the community, contravening the rights of other participants and undermining the principle of fairness in public auctions.

The NSS has initiated a criminal case under relevant articles of the Armenian Criminal Code, and measures are being taken to investigate all circumstances and restore the community's legitimate interests.