Former Yerevan Mayor Allegedly Sold Several School Land Lots: Criminal Investigation Concludes for 16 Individuals

During the investigation of a criminal case initiated by the Special Investigative Service of Armenia, evidence surfaced indicating that the former mayor of Yerevan and the former head of the State Property Management Department, with the assistance of several officials from the Yerevan municipality, allegedly misappropriated 1,939 square meters of land granted for free use to School Number 185. They reportedly divided this land into several property units and sold them to associated individuals through formal auctions, subsequently formalizing the sales as contracts of sale and donation, thereby causing significant damage to state and community rights and legal interests.

Furthermore, they are accused of laundering the illegally obtained large assets with the assistance of multiple persons. Additionally, the former mayor, with the help of several officials, isolated a 3,693-square-meter lot from the territory occupied by Special School Number 16, a 575-square-meter lot from the territory of Preschool Educational Institution Number 64, and an 863-square-meter lot from the same institution’s territory. These lots were allegedly sold to his close associates through formal auctions, after which the former mayor laundered substantial assets obtained through criminal means.

The former mayor of Yerevan faces public criminal prosecution on charges including the laundering of money under Article 296, paragraph 3, points 2 and 3 of the Criminal Code (four episodes), abuse of official powers under Article 441, paragraph 2, points 2, 4, and 5 (for misuse of power), and illegal occupation of land belonging to state or community property under Article 447, paragraph 1. The former head of the State Property Management Department has been similarly charged with money laundering under Article 296, paragraph 3, points 2 and 3.

Charges have also been brought against several individuals for facilitating money laundering and aiding in the abuse of power. Pre-trial measures include restrictions on departure and bail for five individuals, administrative supervision for three, and multiple combinations of the above for others involved.

Furthermore, the criminal proceedings against the 16 individuals have been sent to the supervising prosecutor for confirmation and further court examination.

Notice: An accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Criminal Procedure Code.