Corruption Scheme Uncovered

The officers of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Prevention Department of the Main Directorate for the Fight Against Organized Crime of the Police have revealed a corruption scheme as a result of extensive operational and investigative measures.

According to preliminary data obtained in the course of the investigation, the former leader of the Mrgashen community in Kotayk Province used his official position to make decisions from 2015 to 2018, declaring several residents of Mrgashen as socially disadvantaged individuals. These included participants of the Patriotic, Artsakh, and April War, the families of fallen freedom fighters, veterans, as well as monetary assistance for the celebration of the Last Bell and New Year.

Based on this, approximately 4 million 350 thousand drams were taken out of the budget allocated for special social benefits of the Mrgashen community, and by falsifying the signatures of the money recipients, he embezzled a particularly large sum totaling around 3 million 380 thousand drams.

In addition, on October 10, 2019, a report was received at the Main Directorate for the Fight Against Organized Crime from a citizen alleging that the former leader of the Mrgashen community had demanded a bribe of $2,000 in exchange for transferring community-owned residential development land. According to current investigative data, $1,700 was paid in October 2009, while the remaining 170,000 drams were requested in December. However, the former community leader not only failed to fulfill his promise but has also not returned the received money to this day.

A criminal case has been initiated in connection with the apparent criminal offenses. Measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the cases. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.