VIDEO: A Spy Network Discovered in the Military. Soldiers Transferred Information to Azerbaijan

The employees of the Military Counterintelligence Department of the National Security Service of Armenia conducted extensive operational and intelligence measures that led to the discovery of factual evidence regarding the establishment of a spy network on the territory of Armenia by foreign special services. This activity was aimed at harming the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and external security of the Republic of Armenia in exchange for compensation.

Specifically, during the investigation of a criminal case initiated by the NSS of Armenia's Investigation Department on charges of espionage and state treason, undeniable evidence was obtained that foreign special services had created a network of agents involving individuals serving in various units of the armed forces. To carry out their activities without being hindered and to reduce the risk of exposure, those engaged in espionage created false personal accounts on social networks using the names and photographs of female representatives.

Subsequently, representatives of foreign special services, fluent in the Armenian language, established connections with individuals holding various positions in the Armenian Armed Forces, transforming online acquaintances into close relationships. They then offered monetary compensation for cooperation, providing military-related information, specifically about the locations of various units of the Armenian Armed Forces, personnel, weapons, ammunition, and types of military equipment, along with the command structure of the units, defensive areas, engineering structures, equipment, and more.

Approximately two dozen citizens of Armenia were involved in this network, who held various positions in the Armed Forces and had access to state and service secrets. These servicemen agreed to transmit military and other information that became available to them due to their service, or requested by representatives of foreign special services, through various messaging applications, committing treason against the Republic of Armenia.

During the investigation, through integrated judicial and operative measures, it was possible to identify the individuals involved in the spy network and to determine the volume and content of the military and other information transmitted to foreign special services. Furthermore, the conveyance of new information intended for hostile activity was disrupted.

Over thirty searches were conducted as part of the investigation, and significant items and documents were seized for the case, including original documents containing military-related information and records confirming the compensation received in foreign currency for the information transmitted at the behest of foreign intelligence.

Based on direct suspicion of committing state treason, a total of 19 individuals have been arrested, some of whom have provided confessional statements.

The National Security Service of Armenia warns that it will pursue a relentless and uncompromising fight against the intelligence activities of foreign countries' special services and ensure the protection of people, society, and the state from internal and external threats while actively taking effective measures to safeguard constitutional order and citizens' rights and freedoms.

At the same time, the National Security Service urges the public to refrain from establishing contact with suspicious individuals through social networks or other means, especially discussing issues related to the locations of various units of the Armed Forces, their personnel, weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.

It is also reported that, according to the provisions of the Criminal Code of Armenia, committing state treason can result in life imprisonment. Hence, the Service calls on individuals to refrain from such disgraceful and highly dangerous illegal and immoral acts that threaten national and internal security and the lives and health of others.

The National Security Service also reminds that under Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, there is a provision for encouragement, whereby a person committing crimes related to state treason or espionage may be exempt from criminal liability if they voluntarily report to the authorities or assist in preventing further harm. Therefore, individuals involved in illegal activities are urged to cooperate voluntarily and in a timely manner with the Service to prevent further harm.