Criminal Charges Filed Against 9 Individuals Following Inspections at Artashat Municipality

Following raids and inspections by the Anti-Corruption Committee at the Artashat Municipality, criminal charges have been filed against 9 individuals, with 5 of them being detained, according to a statement from Anti-Corruption Committee spokesperson Marina Ohanyan in response to an inquiry from Factor.am.

According to the spokesperson, the 9 individuals are accused of accepting and giving bribes of significant amounts, as well as committing large-scale fraud. ‘Two of the detainees are tax inspectors. The case involves theft committed during construction works in the city of Artashat and the acceptance of bribes by officials from the State Revenue Committee,’ Ohanyan noted.

It is important to recall that on July 30, the Anti-Corruption Committee conducted inspections at the Artashat Municipality. Reports indicate that these inspections are linked to asphalt paving tenders and related works. The media has been examining which companies were awarded contracts for asphalt paving in the enlarged community of Artashat and which construction works are ongoing.

The renovation and asphalt paving of streets in the city of Artashat and 29 adjacent settlements began last year and continue to this day. It has been revealed that 'Avetis Khetzi' LLC has been awarded the asphalt paving tender. Ashot Avetisyan, registered in the Berkanush community of the enlarged Artashat municipality, is set to have asphalt paving works carried out there as well. Notably, Ashot Avetisyan is the father of Hayk Avetisyan, the administrative head of Berkanush.

'Avetis Khetzi' is a pottery company, with their products displayed on their Facebook page. The 'BERMA' LLC has also been recognized as the winner of the asphalt paving tender. According to the state register of legal entities (e-register), the actual beneficiaries of this company are Avetik Manukyan and Ara Movsisyan, with Avetik Manukyan serving as the director, and the company registered in the Masis enlarged community.