Representative of Vorotan Claims Vote for 'Armenia' Alliance in Exchange for Social Support: Prosecutor's Office

During pre-election monitoring of media by the RA Prosecutor General's Office, attention was drawn to a publication dated June 10, 2021, on the aravot.am news website entitled "Is it Legal Bribery or ... The Head of Vorotan Community Disagrees". Following the investigation initiated by the prosecutor, the findings were forwarded to the Goris Police Department to verify the facts.

Preliminary materials revealed that an authorized official of the Goris Municipality misused their official position, allegedly embezzling a substantial amount from the community budget totaling 6,130,000 AMD. Specifically, it was reported that on June 9, 2021, a decision was made to provide financial assistance to 115 individuals, who were not classified as socially vulnerable families, in violation of the community's bylaw regarding the provision of social assistance to socially vulnerable residents.

Furthermore, it was found that on June 20, 2021, in connection with the parliamentary elections, the administrative representative of Vorotan village, S. O., organized meetings with residents of the village. The head of the Goris Municipality, A. A., was also present and allegedly promised that individuals applying for social assistance would be guaranteed support.

During the investigation, it was revealed that a significant number of applicants for social assistance were family members or relatives of S. O. Moreover, there is evidence that S. O. informed several citizens that to receive social assistance, they needed to participate in the early parliamentary elections and vote for the "Armenia" alliance.

Given that the evidence collected in the case contains apparent signs of bribery, a criminal case has been initiated under Articles 1542, parts 1 and 2 of the RA Criminal Code. The investigation of the cases initiated under these articles is being conducted by the Special Investigative Service of the RA.

Additionally, a task force has been formed from the investigators of the RA Investigative Committee and the Special Investigative Service to carry out necessary urgent investigative actions, procedural measures, as well as operational and investigative measures.

Notice: The suspect is presumed innocent until proved guilty in the manner prescribed by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court judgment.

It was previously reported that law enforcement officials are searching the residence of the Vorotan administrative district head in Syunik province.