Prison Official Arrested for Bribery from 'Thief by Law'

The Deputy Head of the Operational Unit of the ‘Prison Hospital’ correctional facility, A. A., has been arrested for receiving bribes from an inmate and convict of the same facility. This information was reported by the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia.

According to the statement, A. A. demanded a bribe of 200,000 drams from convict A. S. to show preferential treatment and not to create problems, as well as to refrain from confiscating a mobile phone. Subsequently, on May 30, 2022, the amount was transferred from the bank account of convict A. S.’s wife to a bank account registered in the name of the official’s wife, but actually controlled by A. A.

It was noted that the aforementioned official also displayed favorable treatment for another inmate of the same facility, ‘Thief by Law’ A. D., receiving a bribe of 448,600 drams from him to ensure similar preferential treatment and to avoid any issues, including not confiscating a mobile phone. This amount was also transferred to his wife's bank account.

On February 28, 2023, four individuals were arrested in connection with the criminal proceedings. On March 2, 2023, convict A. S. from the ‘Prison Hospital’ was charged under Article 436, Part 2, Point 3 of the Criminal Code (giving a bribe), while Deputy Head A. A. was charged under Article 435, Part 2, Point 3 (receiving a bribe). The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.