Penalties for Auto Parts Theft to be Toughened

In Armenia, penalties for the theft of auto parts, including cars, will be intensified. The draft amendments to the criminal code were approved at today’s government meeting.

According to the document, this type of theft will move from minor crimes to the category of medium severity crimes, punishable by a fine ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 drams, 150-270 hours of community service, or imprisonment ranging from 1-3 years to 2-5 years.

Under the current criminal code, the fine can reach up to 20,000 drams. The proposed amendments also foresee a punishment in the form of community service of up to 150 hours or a maximum of 2 years of imprisonment.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarifies that after the adoption of these amendments, the possibilities of assigning detention as a measure of restraint will practically be expanded.

It is noteworthy that in recent years, there has been an increase in the theft of not only spare parts but also state license plates (especially foreign ones), as well as used catalysts containing precious metals. As a result, in December 2022, the government banned their export abroad.