Sudden Leap from Open Window: Investigative Committee Reports on Russian National's Fall from the Tax Service Building

On July 20, 2023, an unfortunate incident occurred in the administrative building of the Main Investigation Department for Economic Crimes and Smuggling of the RA Investigative Committee.  The Investigative Committee reports that operational information was received regarding a 30-year-old Russian citizen, who was set to receive packages containing the drug dimethylsufone.

On July 14, 2023, two criminal cases were initiated in the Main Investigation Department for Economic Crimes and Smuggling under part 1 of Article 399 of the RA Criminal Code, which were later combined into one case. On July 19, at 11:15 AM, the individual was detained by officers of the RA Tax Service’s Department for Combating Smuggling.

On the same day, he was presented to the Investigative Committee for Economic Crimes and Smuggling. Based on reasonable suspicion of drug smuggling, the investigator decided to arrest the individual.  Within the framework of the ongoing criminal proceeding, on July 20, he was once again presented to the Main Investigation Department for questioning, accompanied by his lawyer and a relevant translator. The questioning was conducted under recording conditions, with the participation of the lawyer and the translator, and necessary procedural actions were carried out.

After the completion of these actions, while being escorted by officers of the investigative body, the individual, handcuffed, exited the investigator's office on the fifth floor and walked through the corridor to the exit door leading to the elevator. As soon as the door opened, he unexpectedly approached the open window adjacent to the elevator and jumped out, resulting in his death.

At present, necessary immediate measures are being taken at the scene. All required actions are being undertaken to clarify the circumstances of the incident. The public will be provided with additional information regarding the current results.