Eight Arrested in Gyumri: New Details

The Anti-Corruption Committee reports that eight individuals have been arrested on charges of giving and receiving electoral bribes and violating the ban on charitable donations during elections.

“In light of the public outcry regarding the apparent criminal offenses committed in connection with giving and receiving electoral bribes, as well as violating the ban on charitable donations during elections, we inform you that criminal proceedings have been initiated against eight individuals, including representatives and supporters of political forces nominated in the extraordinary elections of the Gyumri Council,” the Anti-Corruption Committee stated.

All of these individuals have been arrested on charges related to giving and receiving electoral bribes, preparing to give bribes in groups, as well as violating the ban on charitable donations during elections.

During the preliminary investigation, searches were conducted in the offices of two parties nominated in the extraordinary elections for the Gyumri Council and in the residences of several individuals, resulting in the discovery of documents significant to the case, including lists containing citizens' identification details and handwritten notes.

Three of the arrested individuals have provided confessional testimonies regarding the aforementioned criminal acts and have assisted the investigative body.

Taking into account all circumstances that ensure the lawful behavior of the defendants as well as those that obstruct it, a ban on leaving has been applied to two of them, while administrative supervision measures have been proposed to the Anti-Corruption Court for the remaining six, with restrictions necessary to ensure their proper conduct during the electoral process and the preliminary investigation phase.

The Anti-Corruption Committee, in cooperation with other law enforcement bodies, will remain vigilant in uncovering and preventing such alleged criminal offenses that disturb the normal conduct of elections,” the committee stated.