Intoxicated Driver Offered Bribe to Police After Restaurant Invitation Rejection

The Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia has successfully substantiated, through a combination of sufficient evidence collected in ongoing criminal proceedings, that drivers K. M. and A. N. offered bribes to police officers to avoid administrative charges for their violations.

Specifically, it has been established that during a traffic stop on the Vanadzor-Dilijan highway, K. M.'s vehicle was halted for committing an administrative violation, namely exceeding the speed limit in a prohibited area. The police officers explained the reason for stopping the vehicle and requested the necessary documents to record the administrative violation. During this process, K. M. suggested filing a lesser fine and, after being denied by the officers, attempted to bribe them with 15,000 AMD from his pocket. At that moment, he was arrested and taken to the police station. K. M. has been charged under Article 436, Part 2, Point 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. He has been placed under a prohibition of leaving the country as a measure of restraint.

In another ongoing criminal investigation initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee, it has been confirmed that driver A. N., operating a vehicle without registration plates, evaded a police signal to stop and tried to flee. The officers managed to stop the vehicle and relocated it to a secure area, where A. N. underwent sobriety checks. It was found that he was intoxicated at the time. The police prepared reports on the administrative violations regarding driving without registration plates and while intoxicated.

While the officers were writing these reports, A. N. approached one of them and suggested treating him to a meal at a restaurant in exchange for the release of the car from the secure area, but was rejected. He then attempted to offer a bribe of 16,000 AMD. Suspected of bribery, A. N. was arrested and taken to the police station. He faces charges under Article 436, Part 2, Point 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. A. N. has admitted guilt and provided a confession. He, too, is subject to a prohibition of leaving the country as a measure of restraint.

The materials of the criminal proceedings, along with the accusatory conclusion, have been submitted to the supervising prosecutor for approval and transfer to court.

Notification: A suspect or accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court decision in accordance with the provisions set by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.