Vahagn Vermishyan Dismissed from the Position of Chairman of the Urban Development Committee

The government made a decision during today’s session to dismiss Vahagn Vermishyan from the position of Chairman of the Urban Development Committee. The decision was not reported to the public.

It should be noted that the National Security Service has obtained factual data as a result of operational-intelligence measures and investigative actions regarding the Chairman of the Urban Development Committee of Armenia, who, as a public official, allegedly abused his position in violation of the interests of service and based on personal gain. According to the agreements reached with individuals engaged in construction work or representatives of construction companies, he reportedly received bribes in both monetary form and in-kind benefits, amounting to substantial sums ranging from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 AMD, in exchange for having performed actions in favor of these parties or facilitated the rapid decision-making and provision of desired outcomes.

Additionally, on October 23, 2019, during a meeting in his office, the Chairman of the Urban Development Committee reached an agreement with the owner of several construction companies to nominate him for the title of “Honored Builder of Armenia” in exchange for a bribe of $5,000, equivalent to 2,379,950 AMD, and construction materials valued at approximately 2,300,000 AMD.

Vahagn Vermishyan and two other citizens have been arrested within the framework of the criminal case. The measure of restraint for Vahagn Vermishyan has been selected as detention.