Driver Offered 20,000 Dram to Police Officer: Details

During the preliminary investigation of a criminal case initiated under part 1 of article 312 of the Criminal Code of Armenia at the Anti-Corruption Committee, sufficient evidence has been obtained. It has been established that on January 26, 2022, around 2 AM, officers from the Patrol Service of the RA Police stopped a Mercedes vehicle on Komitas Avenue on suspicion of driving with tinted windows. They then noticed that the driver, A. Khachatryan, was in an intoxicated state.

When the patrol officers proposed that the driver undergo a sobriety test with a specialized device, he suggested resolving the issue “differently.” Specifically, in exchange for not undergoing a sobriety test, which would prevent the recording of an administrative offense against him, A. Khachatryan attempted to bribe the officer with 20,000 AMD. He was immediately detained and taken to the Arabkir division of the RA Police.

On January 31, 2022, A. Khachatryan was charged under part 1 of article 312 of the Criminal Code of Armenia for offering a bribe to a police officer. A signature not to leave was selected as a measure of restraint for him. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.

Considering the recently recorded cases of offering or giving bribes to officers of the Patrol Service of the RA Police, we find it necessary to remind the public that not only giving a bribe but also offering one, according to article 312 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, is a prosecutable offense which can result in imprisonment for up to 3 years. Therefore, we urge everyone to refrain from such actions and to exhibit lawful behavior.

Notice: The suspect or accused is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia by a legally binding court ruling.