Former Stepanavan Leader Arrested

The Court of First Instance of the Lori Province has granted a motion for the detention of the former head of the Stepanavan community, Sargis Gharekheshishyan, as a measure of restraint.

It is important to note that the former community leader was charged on October 29 with abuse of official power and money laundering, following his arrest.

According to law enforcement agencies, evidence has been collected during the investigation indicating that from 2004 to 2012, S. Gh. allegedly abused his official authority to separate plots of land from common-use areas, including parks, which according to Article 60 of the Land Code of Armenia, cannot be transferred to individuals or legal entities. These plots were taken from state-owned forests and municipality lands and were illegally alienated to various individuals, including his cousin and a company established by the charitable foundation