One Minor Girl Subjected to Sexual Exploitation Through Threats: Preliminary Investigation Concluded

The preliminary investigation into criminal acts committed against two minors by three individuals in the city of Vedi has concluded within the Human Trafficking, Sexual Integrity of Minors, and Illegal Drug Trafficking Department of the Armenian Investigative Committee.

During the extensive investigative actions conducted throughout the investigation, it was established that D.A., a 64-year-old taxi driver from Vedi, having been informed about the vulnerable situation of a compatriot's family, exploited the helplessness of one of their minor daughters from the beginning of 2025 until April 2026. He coerced her into sexual exploitation through persuasion and threats, maintaining regular sexual relations with her.

Furthermore, D.A., taking advantage of the same minor girl's helpless state, under the pretense of taking her home from school in 2026, forcibly detained her in his car and transported her to the territory of the Vedi cemetery, where he committed acts of sexual violence against her.

Another accused, A.E., a 58-year-old resident of Vedi, learned about the vulnerable situation of the same family from his neighbor D.A. In April 2026, he waited for the minor girl on her way to school, introduced himself as a family friend, and offered to drive her to school. After abducting her, he took her to a location near the Vedi church, where he also exploited her helpless condition and committed violent sexual acts against her.

Additionally, V.E., a 39-year-old resident of Yerevan, under the pretext of providing charity to the same family, developed a relationship with one of the minors. During a visit in February 2026, he isolated her while shopping for the family and took advantage of her helpless state to commit indecent acts against her.

For the aforementioned criminal acts, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against D.A. based on Article 189, Part 2, Clause 1 (trafficking or exploitation of a child or a person in a helpless situation), Article 191, Part 2, Clause 3 (abduction of a minor), and Article 198, Part 3, Clause 3 (violent sexual acts). A.E. is charged under Article 191, Part 2, Clause 3 (abduction of a minor), and Article 44-191, Part 2, Clause 3 (attempted abduction of a minor), and Article 198, Part 2, Clause 4 (violent sexual acts). V.E. is charged under Article 201, Part 3, Clause 3 (committing indecent acts).

All three individuals have been placed in custody as a preventive measure. The criminal case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor for an accusatory conclusion.