Unknown Individuals Presented as Arabs Acquire Houses and Numerous Land Parcels in Ohanyan: Community Leader

In the Ohanyan community, like in several other settlements of the Aragatston region, individuals presenting themselves as Arabs, yet of unknown ethnicity, have acquired houses and land plots. This was confirmed today in an interview with Factinfo by Edgar Hayrapetyan, the head of the Ohanyan community of Aragatston province.

“Probably 3-4 houses have been sold in the community. The suspicious buyers are mainly acquiring a large number of land parcels. I am not aware of who these people are; I have not seen them personally nor spoken with them. I have heard that there are some rumors in the region about Turks purchasing houses here, but I do not have information that confirms these individuals acquiring real estate or land in Ohanyan are Turks. They present themselves as Arabs,” he added.

The community leader emphasized that the houses and land parcels were purchased directly from the owners. “I have not seen any of them, nor have I interacted with them. According to the information I have received, the houses and land parcels were purchased through companies registered in the state registry of the Republic of Armenia. I believe, for more reliable and precise information on this subject, it is necessary to contact the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for the registrations of companies in the state registry. I think it would be easy to ascertain the real national identity of the buyers through these registered companies,” he stated.

Regarding the arising concerns and unanswered questions on this matter, he thinks the National Security Service should clarify them as well. “As a community leader, I do not possess adequate information, and I state what I know. I can only confirm that during my three years as community leader, such real estate transactions have not taken place through the community administration; such cases have not been registered. The purchases were made exclusively from the owners,” he added.

When asked by the news outlet whether the rumors are accurate that buyers of unknown origin are acquiring real estate and land plots from owners at significantly higher prices than the market rate, Hayrapetyan stated he could not respond as he is unaware of the prices.

On the question of why the Aragatston region interests buyers of unknown origin and questionable national affiliation, who are making investments and purchasing homes and land at prices considerably above the market, Hayrapetyan also had no answer. He acknowledged that the issue does indeed raise concerning questions and worries, but he unfortunately does not have any clear responses or information.

Mayor Hayrapetyan also noted that the suspicious buyers have hardly appeared in the community. The real estate they purchased — the houses — are mostly visited occasionally by people of Armenian descent, who perform necessary paperwork, agricultural, or household-related tasks and then leave. “The bought houses and land parcels are mainly under the control of Armenians. Once again, I don’t know if it is an organization or individuals; we do not know. They come and perform transactions authorized by the buyers—for example, obtaining construction permits or similar matters—and then leave,” he explained.

It is noteworthy that reports of mass acquisitions of real estate and land parcels by unknown origin, allegedly Turkish citizens, in the Aragatston region emerged back in the middle of the previous year. The Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, confirmed on February 3 that Turks are acquiring real estate in Armenia. The news agency plans to formally approach the Ministry of Justice and the National Security Service to obtain comprehensive and conclusive information on the situation.