Diana Gasparyan Fined 300,000 Drams

The Anti-Corruption Committee has fined the mayor of Vagharshapat, Diana Gasparyan, 300,000 drams. The committee initiated an investigation based on a report from the ‘Azatutyun’ media outlet, which addressed a potential conflict of interest.

According to the publication, Gasparyan had signed a contract for the supply of compressed natural gas with a gas station owned by her father-in-law, Ashot Mirzoyan. The value of the transaction amounted to approximately 13.6 million drams.

Under the law on public service, if an official takes action or makes a decision within their authority that may lead to a conflict of interest, they are required to notify their superiors in writing. Since mayors do not have superiors, they must submit a declaration to the Anti-Corruption Committee. Gasparyan did not do so.

The committee concluded that by entering into that contract, Diana Gasparyan engaged in actions that could pose risks of a conflict of interest.