The Process of Dissolution of the Special Investigation Service Has Begun: What Will Sasun Khachatryan Do?

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reported in its June 19 issue that the Special Investigation Service (SIS) is set to be dissolved, and Sasun Khachatryan will bid farewell to his position. Events are unfolding as expected. According to the revised draft of the government's decision on the "Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Implementation Program for the Years 2019-2022," it is stated that the Special Investigation Service is being dissolved, ArmLur.am reports.

Specifically, the positions and tools of the Service's Department for Investigation of Corruption, Organized and Official Crimes will be transferred to the newly established Anti-Corruption Committee, while the functions of the SIS's Departments investigating Torture and Crimes Against Humanity, as well as those investigating General Crimes, will be handed over to the Investigative Committee with the corresponding positions and tools.

Moreover, during a conversation with reporters the day before, SIS head Sasun Khachatryan found it difficult to answer whether he would continue in his position. Reviewing the draft, we found that there are also functions from other agencies that are being transferred to the new entity.

For instance, the Investigation Committee’s Department for Investigation of Corruption, Crimes Against Property, and Cyber Crimes will be reorganized, and positions intended for carrying out operational-investigative activities will be taken from the police, as will those from the State Revenue Committee. The draft legal acts were posted on the unified website for public discussions on June 10, and discussions will continue until July 20.