Armenian NSS Detains Foreign Nationals on Suspicion of Espionage

The National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia continues its consistent and effective fight against espionage activities directed against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and external security of Armenia by foreign intelligence services. As a result of the effective actions of the police officers and the vigilance of citizens, foreign nationals have been detained by the NSS on suspicion of espionage within the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

The NSS reports that, in the framework of due legal procedures, relevant measures were taken that led to the collection of factual data regarding foreign nationals' acquisition of information related to the movement of combat equipment and armaments belonging to the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the locations of military units and the number of participants in the mobilization declared under martial law. At this stage of the investigation, the gathered evidence has been deemed sufficient to justify the suspicion, thus on October 2, 2020, these individuals were arrested on charges of espionage under Article 302 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia and aiding espionage under Article 38-302.

Extensive operational and investigative actions are underway to uncover the crime in its entirety, to identify other foreign nationals and Armenian citizens related to the case, and to initiate criminal prosecutions against them. The NSS of the Republic of Armenia is firmly committed to preventing, suppressing, and revealing crimes directed against the foundations of constitutional order and state security.

In this process, the NSS also anticipates the involvement of broad segments of society, urging individuals to report any known information regarding state treason or espionage to the authorities for the benefit of the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. Additional information will be provided as necessary.