Illegal Mining Incident in Artamet Community of Armavir Province: State Revenue Committee

The Economic Security and Anti-Corruption Department of the National Security Service of Armenia reported to the Department of Investigation and Operational Intelligence of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) about illegal mining activities taking place in the agricultural land belonging to a company in the administrative area of the Artamet community in Armavir province.

According to the information received, the SRC's Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department initiated comprehensive operational-investigative measures, during which factual data and circumstances were obtained indicating that illegal mining of gravel mixture was being conducted by an individual identified as V. G., a resident of the village of Sardarapat in Armavir province.

This individual organized the mining activities using transport vehicles rented from various economic entities, primarily during evening hours to avoid possible obstacles.

The mining operations were conducted on approximately 8 hectares of agricultural land belonging to the company in the Artamet community, without obtaining the necessary rights for mineral resource use and without registration in tax authorities.

To determine the scope of mining operations, a corresponding measurement was carried out by the Environmental and Mining Inspection Authority of Armenia, which revealed that approximately 63,000 cubic meters of rock mass had been removed from the site, with a total value estimated at around 159 million AMD.

A record was drawn up regarding the fact of conducting illegal entrepreneurial activities, and administrative proceedings were initiated accordingly. The record and accompanying materials were sent to the SRC's Legal Department.

Based on the materials prepared during the operational-investigative measures, a criminal case was initiated under the first part of Article 188, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

The SRC's Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department urges citizens and economic entities to refrain from using mineral resources or natural resources without permission or a license, as those individuals will face full legal responsibility.