Funds Collected for Military Needs Embezzled: Armenian Ministry of Defense

The Military Police of the Armenian Ministry of Defense regularly conducts online monitoring, during which cases have been identified of fundraising activities carried out by social media users under the pretext of helping the military.

Specifically, Facebook user Z.S. conducted fundraising through their Facebook page from 2022 to 2023, collecting between 500,000 to 1,000,000 AMD from citizens, a significant portion of which has apparently been embezzled.

Another Facebook user, E.S., posted bank account details on their Facebook page and collected approximately 300,000 USD from both Armenian citizens and individuals residing abroad, claiming it was for the purpose of preparing and donating necessary items for the army. However, it was revealed that most of this money has also been allegedly embezzled.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding these two cases under Article 255 of the Armenian Criminal Code (fraud).

The Military Police continues to carry out diligent work to identify individuals engaging in illegal and criminal activities disguised as support for the Armed Forces, driven by personal interests, and to provide a legal assessment of such cases.

The Military Police of the Ministry of Defense urges everyone to refrain from any action aimed at damaging the good reputation and authority of the Armed Forces, misleading citizens through deceit or abuse of trust.

At the same time, law-abiding citizens are encouraged to report any information they may have about individuals engaging in similar activities or social media users involved in such fundraising efforts to the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense or any law enforcement agency.