The Audit Office Reveals Violations and Misappropriations Exceeding 19 Billion Dram

The Armenian State Oversight Service has summarized its key activities carried out over the past year.

The Service has continuously ensured the implementation of control powers granted to the Prime Minister of Armenia by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia. This information was reported by the State Oversight Service.

In total, approximately 100 oversight functions have been conducted within state administration bodies, public institutions, and communities over the past year (around three dozen studies and about 70 ongoing monitoring efforts). As a result, preliminary data indicates that violations, deficiencies, discrepancies, misappropriations, or unverifiable expenses, amounting to over 19 billion dram, have been identified.

Furthermore, through its examinations, the State Oversight Service has noted savings within the state budget, attributed to the regulation of various processes.

The oversight functions were conducted with the approval of the Prime Minister and based on orders from the Service's leadership, as well as complaints submitted by physical and legal entities, press publications, and other grounds.

Almost all reports generated as a result of these studies have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies in Armenia. Criminal cases have been initiated, and charges have been filed.

It is crucial to emphasize that certain reports generated from some studies and ongoing monitoring contain information of state and official secrets, which are not subject to publication.

Overall, oversight functions have been and continue to be conducted in various government bodies, including the Police, National Security Service, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as within sectors such as the procurement of hemodialysis equipment, the Ministry of Environment, the State Revenue Committee, the Ministry of Justice's Penitentiary Service, the State Property Management Committee, Civil Aviation Committee, and other entities under public oversight.

In certain cases, to complete necessary information regarding the objects being monitored, reciprocal studies were conducted with the other party involved in the transaction.

It should be noted that the legality and effectiveness of the implementation of the government's policies in the investment sector have been assessed in the Ministry of Economy and other bodies involved, culminating in a report presented to the Prime Minister. The study is ongoing.

Throughout the year, 753 requests from citizens and legal entities were registered at the Armenian State Oversight Service, of which 14 were received electronically. Overall, 50 inquiries from citizens and media were responded to, and 163 citizen receptions were conducted, during which oral explanations were provided regarding the issues presented.

The Service introduced an “online application submission” system on its website, allowing citizens of Armenia and abroad to submit complaints, inquiries, and suggestions online, track the status of their applications, and download responses from the website.

A “hotline” operates within the application and citizen reception department of the Service. During the specified period, explanations were provided to 171 citizens regarding their presented issues.

As a result of the oversight activities, various proposals have also been developed and submitted to relevant bodies for legislative reforms and enhancements to improve the efficiency of future works.

Alongside the work conducted by the State Oversight Service, programs and priorities for the year 2020 have also been outlined.