Investigations Continue into Alik Sargsyan and Vladimir Gasparyan Cases: Special Investigative Service

In July and December of 2018, the Investigative Committee sent two cases to the Special Investigative Service (SIS) concerning two former police chiefs, Alik Sargsyan and Vladimir Gasparyan. The SIS has taken over these cases, stating that they will provide further information about the progress of the investigations. Despite months passing—seven months in one case and two in the other—there has been no news regarding the results of the investigations.

Today, SIS spokesperson Marina Ohanyan informed 'Factinfo' that the investigations are ongoing and, in the interest of the inquiry, no information regarding the statuses will be provided. Additional details will be communicated later.

It is worth recalling that on July 18, 2018, a criminal case was initiated at the SIS's Main Division for the Investigation of Particularly Significant Crimes regarding the receipt, giving, mediation in bribery, and extortion of large sums of money. According to preliminary data, former National Assembly member Alik Sargsyan and the former governor of the Ararat region were involved in this case.

On December 18, 2018, the Investigative Committee announced that data had been obtained in a criminal case regarding anti-competitive behavior being investigated by the SIS's Main Division. It was revealed that prior to the 2012 elections to the National Assembly, former police chief Vladimir Gasparyan had promised to intervene and assist the former owner of 'King Deluxe' in resolving issues related to paid passenger transportation if the latter supported the Republican Party of Armenia in the National Assembly elections.

A case was opened based on the characteristics outlined in Part 2 of Article 308 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.