Employee of State Institution Charged with Labor Exploitation of Resident

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has uncovered the circumstances of a case involving the labor exploitation of a person unable to fully comprehend the nature and significance of her actions due to mental impairment by an employee of the Vardenis Psychiatric Residential Home.

According to the evidence obtained during the investigation, a 65-year-old resident of Vardenis, serving as a staffing inspector at the State Institution, used her official position to employ a resident diagnosed with "Mild intellectual disability and behavioral disorders F-70" without a labor contract. This employment took place in a grocery store opened by her within the premises of the institution.

The 65-year-old woman worked in the store five days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM without breaks between 2002 and 2018. By taking advantage of the resident’s vulnerable condition, the inspector did not pay her, subjecting her to labor exploitation.

Based on the gathered evidence, the inspector has been charged under Article 132.2, Part 2, Clause 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, which pertains to the trafficking or exploitation of a person lacking the ability to understand the nature and significance of their actions due to mental disorders or age.

A measure of restraint has been imposed upon her, requiring her not to leave. The preliminary investigation has been completed, and a motion to confirm the indictment has been sent to the prosecutor.

Note: The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law as established by a legally binding court verdict.