Former Head of Taronik Community Accused of Embezzlement of Approximately 18 Million Dram

It has been established during the investigation that A.H., who held the position of head of the Taronik community (a part of the enlarged community of Metsamor) in the Armavir region of Armenia from 2014 to 2019, embezzled 17,606,172 AMD through various fraudulent means, including the introduction of obviously false information into official documents and using his official position. This was reported by the Investigative Committee.

Specifically, according to the data obtained during the proceedings, the community leader, aware that the residents had built structures on their land, took no measures to prevent them and deliberately did not impose administrative punishments on the individuals conducting construction in violation of existing legislation.

Furthermore, evidence has been received that A.H. formally registered a resident of the community as a caretaker at the Taronik community administration. Under conditions of the caretaker's absenteeism, the community leader embezzled a significant amount of 1,099,348 AMD by transferring and cashing it out onto a bank card with the help of an accountant.

In addition, in April 2016, 300,000 AMD was allocated to organize a funeral for a resident who died during the April war; however, the ceremonies were organized by the deceased's relatives, and the 300,000 AMD withdrawn from the community administration’s budget was embezzled by the community leader using his official position.

During the pre-trial investigation, violations were also uncovered in the process of providing social assistance to community residents. It was determined that the community leader, in violation of the requirements of the Law on Local Self-Government of Armenia, provided social assistance to his relatives and favored residents of the community, numbering several dozen, without the necessary decisions of the council and written applications from relevant individuals.

Moreover, it was revealed that rental contracts had been signed between the Taronik community and private individuals for vehicles, under which the expenses for technical servicing were to be covered by the lessor. However, the investigation found that A.H. had embezzled 818,000 AMD for technical services in one case and 1,614,000 AMD in another case.

It was also discovered that a 'ZIL' model vehicle owned by the community, which was used for organizing waste collection, always operated on gas; despite this, 2,500,000 AMD worth of gasoline was withdrawn from the community’s budget and embezzled by the community leader.

During the investigation, documents related to the auction of a 'VAZ 21214' vehicle by the Taronik community were received and examined, resulting in the determination that the car was assessed at 370,000 AMD without proper evaluation, at the suggestion of the community leader. The auction notice stated that the car was in poor condition and subject to capital repair, while the community had spent 3,551,700 AMD on its technical operation between 2014 and 2015.

The auction was conducted with numerous violations. Despite the law prohibiting the participation of family members of auction organizers and commission members, the father-in-law of the community leader, who also worked at the community administration, participated in the auction and won the vehicle for 370,000 AMD.

No auction steps were taken in the presence of other participants. Based on sufficient evidence gathered, A.H. has been charged under part 3 of article 256 (one episode), part 1 of article 445 (one episode), and part 1 of article 447 (three episodes) of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

He has been placed under a prohibition of leaving the country as a measure of restraint. During the investigation, 1,900,000 AMD of the damages incurred to the community have been recovered. Measures are being taken to ensure guarantees for recovering the remaining amount of damages. The investigation has concluded, and the case materials with an accusatory conclusion have been sent to court.

Note: The person suspected or accused of the crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.