Charges Filed Against Individuals Accused of Embezzling Large Sums from Intensive Orchard Development Program

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated a criminal case concerning the embezzlement of substantial state funds through fraudulent practices, related to a government program established on March 29, 2019, to support the development of intensive fruit orchards and berries.

The state aimed to enhance fruit and grape production, replace imports, and increase export volumes by partially compensating incurred expenses via a government decision.

Investigators discovered that local residents S. Gh. from the Ararat region and V. H. from Yerevan had participated in this program, setting up intensive hazelnut and almond orchards on their leased land. Intending to embezzle state funds, they presented false service contracts to the Ministry of Economy among other supporting documents to receive compensation.

As a result, in April 2022, S. Gh. fraudulently obtained 24,225,000 AMD from the state, while V. H. received 26,125,000 AMD, both for expenses not incurred.

Based on sufficient evidence, the mentioned individuals have been charged under Article 255, Part 3, Point 3, and Article 457, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code for committing these criminal acts. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.