Armenia's Ministry of Defense Purchases Alcoholic Beverages, Silver Pendants, and Watches at State Budget's Expense

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia made a number of purchases in October using the state budget, drawing particular attention to the acquisitions of alcoholic beverages and silver pendants. This is reported by 'Patsinfo'.

On October 2, the Ministry acquired 250 units of service breast badges from the 250th escort company, paying a total of 187,500 AMD. Notably, the badges were obtained from the 'Emil Grigoryan Jewelry Factory' LLC in Yerevan.

Additionally, the Ministry purchased 8 flower bouquets for 96,000 AMD, sourced from 'Mega Star' LLC.

On October 10, the Ministry of Defense bought two units of the men's wristwatch model '1444 S' from 'AWI' LLC, reportedly equipped with Swiss mechanisms, for a total of 120,000 AMD. On the same day, the agency procured the book 'Gift of Glory' in soft cover for 145,000 AMD from 'Entertainment' LLC.

Later on the same day, the Ministry acquired 6 bottles of vodka and 3 bottles of wine from 'ArdExim' LLC. Specifically, they purchased 6 bottles of 'Chistie Rossi' vodka and 3 bottles of 'Zorakh Heritage Syren' red wine, for a total payment of 121,830 AMD. It should be noted that 'ArdExim' LLC, which supplies various alcoholic beverages, has been active in the public procurement system since 2016, with purchases made by various state agencies including the Judicial Department, the National Assembly, the Ecological Inspection Service, the Public Radio of Armenia, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The purchases of alcoholic beverages did not end there. On October 14, the Ministry acquired one unit of plum brandy 'Aralez' and 4 units of 'Aralez' vodka flavored with wild pear from the same LLC, costing 98,500 AMD. On the same day, they also purchased 2 silver pendants from 'Megeryan Carpet' LLC for 92,000 AMD.

In total, the expenditures from the state budget for these purchases amounted to 860,830 AMD, representing only a portion of the conducted acquisitions. It appears that funds are regularly allocated from the state budget for alcoholic beverages and silver pendants. Interestingly, while the Ministry can purchase silver items without it being considered a crime, gold jewelry found in churches and private residences is portrayed as criminal, at least in the public discourse, as the article suggests.