Large-Scale Fuel Theft Revealed at a Ministry of Defense Military Unit

The Republic of Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee has conducted an investigation revealing that the deputy commander of a military brigade from the Ministry of Defense's specific military unit, in collusion with the unit's supply officer, engaged in large-scale diesel fuel theft using their official powers.

Specifically, the investigation showed that the deputy commander failed to log 700 liters of excess diesel fuel into the supply records. Instead, he sought assistance from the commander of the same unit’s platoon to find a buyer for the fuel. Subsequently, the fuel was taken out of the military unit in a buyer's vehicle and sold, with the proceeds being shared among the involved parties.

Furthermore, it was established that they attempted to smuggle an additional 2 tons of diesel fuel out of the unit using the same vehicle for sale, but their criminal act was thwarted when the supply officer was arrested and transferred to the Anti-Corruption Committee.

Charges have been filed against the deputy commander of the military brigade and the supply officer under the first and second points of the second part of Article 256, as well as points one, two, and three of the second part of Article 44-256 of the RA Criminal Code for theft and attempted theft. Charges have also been brought against the platoon commander and the fuel buyer, the latter of whom has been placed under house arrest as a preventive measure. During the investigation, the damage caused to the state was fully compensated.

The preliminary investigation has been completed, and the case materials have been sent to the RA Anti-Corruption Court with an accusatory conclusion.