SBS Feels Uncomfortable Discussing Employee Who Committed a Crime: "Hraparak"

On June 6, a more serious drug-related scandal occurred than the cocaine scandal discovered in a private establishment. Law enforcement arrested the son of a senior official from the National Security Service (NSS) on the road to Abovyan City, where his car contained approximately 240 bags of drugs. This was reported by the newspaper "Hraparak."

"He was reportedly transporting drugs to Yerevan. The drug transporter is none other than Khachatour Kostandyan's son, who is the head of the NSS regional department in Syunik, and his companion is the son of the former village head of Acharcut village. Kostandyan previously worked in the Tavush region, from where his sons' company originates. The NSS official's son has been detained.

We sent a written inquiry to the NSS asking the following questions: Is Khachatour Kostandyan still serving as the head of the NSS regional department in Syunik or has he been dismissed? If he has been dismissed, on what grounds, and what is his current status? Has a service investigation been initiated at the NSS regarding this incident? Is it possible that with Kostandyan's permission, assistance, and also by using his official position, his son committed such an act?

However, the NSS did not respond to any of these questions, stating in writing: "In connection with your inquiry addressed to the Director of the National Security Service on 08.06.2023, we inform you that a criminal process has been initiated by the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia regarding the mentioned incident; therefore, it is not possible to provide any further information."

Thus, by not responding, the NSS has confirmed this information but felt uncomfortable at least to state whether the official continues to work in the system or not.

For more details, refer to today’s issue of the newspaper.