13.8 Million Drams Stolen from Individuals with Military Disabilities

The Investigation Committee of the Republic of Armenia has revealed a significant theft and attempted theft case involving individuals with military disabilities, perpetrated by a criminal group.

During the preliminary investigation, it was established that A.T., the deputy chair of the public organization "With the Soldier," created the impression of a collaboration with state and charitable organizations in the offices located at 4 Arshakunyats Street in Yerevan. He set up displays featuring photos of combat participants, the Armenian national flag, and prepared false documents to foster trust among the victims and facilitate the execution of criminal intentions.

It was concurrently confirmed during the investigation that T.Q., a serviceman from the Armenian Ministry of Defense, informed combat veterans who were wounded in action, individuals with disabilities in his vicinity, and the families of deceased soldiers, about non-existent state and charitable programs. He guided them towards A.T., thereby ensuring that the latter could commit fraud.

The accused presented false information to multiple victims, claiming that they could receive financial support of up to several tens of millions of drams from the "My Step" and "Zinapah" foundations, as well as from state and international support programs, provided they paid a certain amount in advance as a "brokerage fee," "accelerating payment," "approval fee," or under other names.

To instill confidence, they manipulated the names of state officials and presented false information about inclusion in lists of aid recipients. Through these methods, the accused stole a total of 13,880,000 drams from family members of fallen soldiers and servicemen who were wounded in combat from December 2024 to February 2026.

A.T. and T.Q. have been indicted for committing particularly large-scale fraud. T.Q. has been detained, while A.T. has been placed under house arrest. The criminal case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor with an accusatory conclusion.

Note: An individual accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law, by a legally binding court verdict.