Emergency Situations Minister Andranik Piloyan at the Center of Corruption Scandal: Prime Minister Sends Him on Leave

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, has sent the Minister of Emergency Situations, Andranik Piloyan, on leave amidst intensifying scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.

On March 28, reports emerged that the National Security Service (NSS) conducted a search at the Ministry of Emergency Situations. According to information obtained by "Factinfo," the search was carried out in connection with a criminal case being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Committee, targeting the minister's advisory office.

Sources indicate that the minister's name is indeed mentioned in the criminal proceedings. It has come to light that he imported coffee machines to the ministry without a competitive bidding process and acquired construction materials, allegedly for personal use.

Furthermore, there are issues related to bonuses, as not all recipients have been able to fully manage their funds; the Anti-Corruption Committee is working to clarify how much each person is entitled to.

As reported, Nikol Pashinyan has decided to send the minister, embroiled in this corruption scandal, on leave from March 28 to April 14, inclusive.