Corruption Prevention Commission Initiates Investigation into Haik Sargsyan Scandal

This material, which has become the subject of much discussion, appears to contain data that suggest a possible conflict of interest. This was stated by the Chair of the Corruption Prevention Commission, Haykuhi Harutyunyan, in an interview with NEWS.am, addressing the recent incident involving Haik Sargsyan, a member of the 'My Step' faction.

It is worth recalling that on July 26, according to information and video published on the ‘Hraparak’ website, Haik Sargsyan hosted a party at the 'White Shorja' beach in Sevan. The website claims that the beach is linked to or owned by MP Haik Sargsyan.

“The commission must investigate whether the materials published in the media meet the legal requirements necessary for us to initiate proceedings. This is exactly what we have done. We have taken the results of media discussions, and along with other scheduled issues, the commission is examining each piece of data to determine its level of credibility and what actions it permits us to take. We have come to the conclusion that there is currently a need to continue this investigation; that is, at this moment, the media publications do not have credible factual circumstances that allow us to conduct proceedings,” Haykuhi Harutyunyan stated in an interview with the media.

She reminded that previously, based on media publications, they had a precedent for initiating proceedings in the case of Yerevan Mayor Haik Marutyan, where the information was “not merely gossip but included documents.” “We immediately initiated proceedings based on that. However, here we do not have that strong evidence. There are not even the minimum factual circumstances that would allow us to take such robust action. Therefore, we will continue our investigation to see if the publications will mature to the point that they will provide factual grounds for us to initiate proceedings,” she added.

The Chair of the Corruption Prevention Commission noted that there is no specific time frame for investigations based on media publications regarding when proceedings should be accepted or not. However, for applications, a 5-day timeframe is stipulated. “We have decided to apply the same timeframe; that is, we started this investigation today and have given ourselves 5 days to make a decision during that time—either to reject the results of the investigation as having insufficient factual grounds or to find the factual basis on which proceedings could be initiated,” Haykuhi Harutyunyan noted.

The media inquired whether the investigations related to Haik Sargsyan at the Corruption Prevention Commission are connected to reports linking the MP’s name with the ‘White Shorja’ beach in Sevan. “Not only that. Whether this person has any incompatibility, that is, whether he engages in business activities alongside his parliamentary mandate. If business activities are confirmed, did he declare it as information? Because, for example, if it turns out that is indeed the case, and this person has declared this business activity, it will proceed under a completely different headline. If it turns out that this business activity exists, and he has not entrusted it to a management trust, it will take a very different direction. If it turns out he has entrusted it to a management trust but has not declared the income derived from this business activity, it will again go in a completely different direction. There will be many layers to these issues,” she said, adding that the commission is indeed investigating all these matters.

“When the data is confirmed or refuted, we will certainly make it public,” concluded the Chair of the Corruption Prevention Commission.