Video: NSS Uncovers Corruption Schemes in Local Self-Government

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, through operational and investigative measures conducted by its Shirak regional department, has made significant findings regarding a criminal case initiated by the NSS’s investigative department.

It was revealed that the deputy head of the property management department of the Gyumri Municipality solicited a bribe of 2,000 USD, equivalent to 957,560 AMD, from a resident of Gyumri. This bribe was demanded in exchange for facilitating the process of registering a gift of municipal real estate to the resident. On October 12, 2021, 1,000 USD was received, with the agreement that the remaining amount would be paid upon completion of the donation process.

On October 26, 2021, immediately after the official received the remaining 900 USD, both the briber and the official were apprehended by NSS personnel and taken to the Shirak regional department of the NSS.

The investigation additionally uncovered that relevant officials from the property management department of the Gyumri Municipality had shown gross illegal inaction regarding various residents of Gyumri, particularly in failing to document illegal construction activities and not initiating appropriate administrative proceedings, thereby receiving bribes of various amounts which were shared among group members.

Thanks to coordinated tactical work by the investigative team, extensive procedural actions were conducted in the initial phase of the investigation, including around a dozen searches. During a personal search of an official, bribery funds were discovered and seized. Based on direct suspicion in committing an offense, several individuals, including the head of the construction and architecture department and the deputy head of the property management department, as well as the citizen who provided the bribe, were arrested.

The National Security authorities continue to take diligent steps to uncover all aspects of corruption crimes, clarify the circle of individuals involved, and neutralize the risks of potential corrupt activities involving municipal officials.