The Head of Metsavan Submitted a Fake Diploma to Hold Office

The investigation into the case of a fake diploma acquired by the administrative head of Metsavan, a settlement in the Tashir community of Lori Province, has concluded at the Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee. As a result of necessary measures taken, significant circumstances related to the case have been established.

In particular, a resident of the Tashir community in Lori Province, aiming to take the position of administrative head of Metsavan, was aware that having a document confirming higher education was one of the mandatory requirements for holding the said position. Therefore, he acquired a legally significant and credentialing fake document—a diploma—along with an attachment regarding class hours and grades, which he submitted to the Tashir municipality. Based on this, by the order of the Tashir community head on December 1, 2022, the individual was appointed as the administrative head of the Metsavan settlement.

However, the examination of the diploma issued by the Siberian State Technological University in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, raised doubts about its authenticity, and inquiries were made to the mentioned educational institution. According to the responses received, it became clear that the administrative head, according to the provided data, has never studied at the said institution and that the diploma with the indicated number does not exist.

Based on sufficient evidence obtained, the administrative head of Metsavan has been charged under part 1 of Article 457 of the RA Criminal Code. A preventive measure has been applied against him, including a prohibition on leaving the country and suspension from office. The pre-investigation has been completed, and the materials of the criminal case have been referred to the court with an indictment conclusion. The investigation into the preparation and distribution of the fake diploma is ongoing.

Note: A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the RA through a legally binding court decision.