What is the connection between the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Justice and the Minister? Details about Grigor Minasyan

On January 12, two days ago, Grigor Minasyan was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice by the decision of the Prime Minister. This appointment has sparked lively discussions on the internet and in the media, as he is the brother of Mikayel Minasyan, Armenia's former ambassador to the Vatican, a former Republican, and, according to media reports, a friend of Justice Minister Karen Andreasyan.

Besides being the minister's friend, the deputy minister has also had professional ties with him in several private companies. Grigor Minasyan is a member of the Bar Association and a co-founder of the law firms "EM" and "Lex Partners," as well as the companies "Yard" and "Armenia PPP." The "EM law firm" LLC was established in 2012. According to the State Registry of Legal Entities, 60% of the company’s shares belong to Grigor Minasyan, who has been the company's director since 2013.

The remaining 40% of "EM" belongs to Eva Arakelyan, who is the wife of Karen Andreasyan. This means that in the "Declaration of Interests" section of Andreasyan’s submitted declaration, his wife's participation in the commercial organization should have been indicated. However, that line is left blank.

Grigor Minasyan has also owned the company "Yard", which provides restaurant services. Before that, from September 25, 2017, until May 29, 2019, this company was owned by the current Justice Minister Karen Andreasyan. This means that Andreasyan and Minasyan have sequentially managed 100% of the shares of "Yard."

Grigor Minasyan held shares in "Lex Partners" until April 26, 2011, after which he transferred them to his wife, Maria Stepanyan. Until 2011, Karen Andreasyan also held shares in another company owned by Maria Stepanyan, "Prof Taxi". During the same years, from 2010 to 2011, Grigor Minasyan also had a small share in this company.

It turns out that Deputy Minister Grigor Minasyan, in addition to his friendship, has also had business connections with Minister Karen Andreasyan. He co-manages one of the largest legal firms in Armenia with the Minister's wife, which is often advertised by Public Television.