Bribery Case Exposed In Regional Branch Of Armenia's National Archive

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia has revealed a case of bribery involving the head of a regional branch of the "National Archive of Armenia" state non-commercial organization. The service has consistently fought against various manifestations of corruption and has been committed to eradicating these issues. Through operational-investigative measures and investigative actions sanctioned by law, they obtained factual information indicating that the head of the regional branch, empowered by organizational, managerial, and economic functions, was responsible for ensuring the organization and management of data within the state pension system according to the legislative and legal acts regarding pensions and benefits.

In the process of providing archival references to citizens, the official reportedly solicited bribes ranging from 60,000 to 200,000 AMD from several citizens, intending to facilitate illegal actions aimed at providing a higher amount for work pensions. Notably, in some cases, he even negotiated the amount requested.

After receiving undeniable evidence, the official was caught in the act of receiving a bribe in his office, under the operational supervision of the NSS. During a search, the object of bribery was found. Both the briber and the official confessed to committing the crime. A criminal case has been initiated under the relevant articles of the RA Criminal Code by the NSS investigative department concerning the apparent criminal acts. An investigation is currently underway, and relevant measures are being taken to disclose other possible bribery incidents and identify others involved in the corruption chain.