Investigation Completed in Bribery Case Involving Official at Armavir Penitentiary

The investigation into a bribery case involving an official from the Armavir penitentiary has been completed, according to the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia. The investigative department conducted a comprehensive and effective inquiry that uncovered evidence regarding a convicted individual, identified as A.N., who in March 2021 solicited A.H., a lead specialist in the security department of the same penitentiary and a justice major, to obtain and deliver prohibited mobile phones and related accessories to inmates.

A.N. promised to offer a bribe for the illegal actions, which A.H. accepted. Subsequently, A.N., responsible for the upbringing of his underage son, leveraged his parental authority to call his son, V.N., from the penitentiary, instructing him to meet A.H. and hand over the mentioned prohibited items along with the bribe money, thereby involving his minor child in the commission of a crime.

As a result, through his minor son, A.N. delivered the bribe to A.H. on March 17 and 18, 2021, in return for which A.H. received and transferred several prohibited items to A.N. Some of these items were discovered by NSS and the Ministry of Justice's penitentiary service staff during joint operational activities. Furthermore, A.H., having abused his official powers and misused his position contrary to the interests of the service, unlawfully transported and handed over prohibited items to A.N. at the Armavir penitentiary on March 15, 2021, which included two mobile phones, a mobile modem for Wi-Fi internet access, and a phone charger—causing significant harm to the authority and legal interests of the service.

On May 26, 2021, the criminal case involving the three aforementioned individuals was forwarded to the prosecutor overseeing the investigation with a recommendation for indictment and court submission.

Note: The suspected or accused party is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia, through a legally binding court decision.