Soldier Establishes Contact with Azerbaijani Intelligence Representative: Case of State Treason Uncovered in Armenia

The main investigative department of the Criminal Code of Armenia has initiated a criminal investigation into a state treason case during preliminary investigations that began on June 26, 2024. Evidence has been obtained regarding the espionage activities conducted by a 43-year-old resident of Yerevan, who is accused of disclosing state secrets and providing assistance to foreign intelligence services.

Specifically, based on operational and investigative measures carried out by the National Security Service of Armenia, it was revealed that the individual, a contracted soldier holding the rank of junior sergeant, made contact with a representative of Azerbaijani intelligence via a social media account on “odnoklassniki.ru” starting from January 2023. This contact was made under a fictitious name on the same social platform.

Through romantic conversations, this representative established a close relationship with the contracted soldier of the Armenian Armed Forces. To maintain ongoing communication, driven by sexual interest, the soldier gathered and passed on sensitive information about the number and types of arms and military equipment, the locations of combat positions, personal data of the command staff, and various documents pertaining to their unit's security from January 2023 to February 2024.

These actions have harmed the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and external security of the Republic of Armenia. Based on the facts acquired through the operations conducted by the NSS and the Investigation Committee, a motion has been submitted to the supervising prosecutor requesting public criminal prosecution of the 43-year-old individual under article 418, part 1 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which has been accepted. The prosecuting authority has decided to arrest the defendant, who is currently at liberty, to present the case in court. This action was assigned to the relevant division of the NSS.

On July 2, the individual was arrested and provided a self-incriminating testimony. He has been formally charged, and a motion has been filed with the court to choose pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint against the 43-year-old, which has been approved. The investigation is ongoing.

Note: A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law in the Republic of Armenia, by a court decision that has entered into legal force.