Public Criminal Prosecution Initiated Against Former Dilijan Mayor: New Details

On June 9, 2023, a public criminal prosecution was initiated against A.S., the former mayor of Dilijan community, by the supervising prosecutor under Article 441, Part 2, Point 5 of the Criminal Code (Abuse of power or official authority by a public official) and Article 445, Part 1 of the Criminal Code (Professional forgery) (2 episodes). This was reported by the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia.

According to the investigation conducted by the Anti-Corruption Committee, it was substantiated that A.S., who held the position of mayor of Dilijan in Tavush province from 2005 to 2021, organized the alienation of a 0.1063 ha plot of land, which is state property and located within the administrative boundaries of Dilijan city, falling under the restrictions outlined in Article 60 of the Land Code (land not subject to alienation), to K.H., the head of the Tavush provincial police, through auction and direct sale during that period.

It was also revealed that A.S., having friendly relations with V.S., the registered owner of the plot located at 35 Andranik 2nd Lane in Dilijan, and being aware of the unauthorized construction carried out by V.S. on a plot of 0.3354 ha at the aforementioned address, failed to fulfill his official duties and did not ensure the suspension of unauthorized construction due to personal interest. Furthermore, on November 5, 2010, he endorsed an obviously false official document with his signature and the community seal, describing the state of the land as undeveloped.

Subsequently, on October 24, 2013, A.S. entered into a real estate donation agreement with V.S., which registered his ownership rights over the property.

As of June 9, 2023, a public criminal prosecution has been initiated against the former mayor of Dilijan, A.S., who has not provided any comments on the matter. A measure of restriction has been chosen which prohibits him from leaving.