750,000 AMD Significant Damage: Abuse of Official Position at Vagharchapat Municipality's 'Baregargum' Organization

The Investigative Committee of Armenia's Chief Department for Particularly Important Cases has launched an investigation into allegations of embezzlement, abuse of official authority, illegal occupation of state or community property land, and failure to take legally mandated actions to halt or prevent unauthorized constructions of buildings.

As a result of extensive investigative and other procedural actions, several details have emerged regarding the alleged abuses discovered in the Vagharchapat Municipality and its subordinate organizations. According to information obtained during the investigation, the head of the organizational and service division of the 'Baregargum' budgetary institution, who is also a member of the 'Yerkrapah Volunteer Union' public organization, is accused of acting out of personal interests and group benefits connected to the public organization.

From 2008 to 2017, this individual reportedly placed orders to purchase wreaths for commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the anniversary of the Spitak earthquake, and Victory and Peace Day. Within the framework of the purchases made for the needs of the Vagharchapat Municipality, they ordered two wreaths from a company dealing in flowers; one was intended for the municipality, while the other was for the President of the Yerkrapah Union, Manvel Grigoryan.

Invoices for all the ordered wreaths were presented and paid from the budget of the Vagharchapat Municipality. As a result, the municipality incurred substantial damage totaling 750,000 AMD. Combinations of sufficient evidence have led to the head of the division being charged under part 1 of article 308 of the RA Criminal Code (abuse of official position). He has been placed under a preventive measure of a signature not to leave.

The pre-investigation continues.

Note: A person suspected or accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code through a legally binding court verdict.