BREAKING: A Case of Bribery Exceeding 22 Million USD Has Been Uncovered

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia, adhering to the principle of rooting out corruption in all its forms, has engaged in operations and investigations against corruption and the legalization of income derived from illegal means. In the framework of its responsibilities under the law, the NSS has launched a criminal case due to abuses of official authority by several high-ranking officials of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia. As a result of operational-search measures and investigative actions conducted by the NSS investigation department, factual data has been obtained indicating that the CEO of a major taxpayer included in the list of large taxpayers in Armenia, with the involvement of the chairperson of the State Revenue Committee, who also served as the Minister of Finance during that period, has given an exceptionally large bribe amounting to 22,401,000 USD through his sons.

This bribe was allegedly provided in exchange for the patronage of tax and customs authorities under the direct supervision of this high-ranking official, aimed at ensuring that no obstacles were created for the operations of the commercial organizations represented by him, minimizing interventions from administrative bodies, and facilitating the issuance of more favorable administrative acts whenever applicable.

Initiated by the sons of the official, the concealment of the criminal origin of the aforementioned amount involved routing it through non-resident organizations registered abroad, as well as distorting its true nature, source, and ownership. To obscure the criminal nature of the transactions, two loan agreements were formalized during 2011.

As part of the ongoing criminal case conducted by the NSS investigation department, charges have been filed against the head of the enterprise based on relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia, with detention being selected as a preventive measure by the court. The preliminary investigation is ongoing, and measures are being taken to identify the full scope of individuals involved in the prolonged and concealed unlawful activities, track the final movement of income legalized through bank transfers, and ensure the confiscation of property obtained through illegal means.