Six detained in Armenia corruption investigation, including Kocharyan

Six people have been detained as part of a criminal investigation conducted by Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee, including former President Robert Kocharyan, his son Sedrak and other individuals allegedly linked to criminal schemes, Report informs via Aysor.

According to materials from the criminal case investigated by the Anti-Corruption Committee, investigators obtained evidence suggesting that Kocharyan, acting in prior agreement with individuals close to him and using his official position, allegedly transferred a number of valuable real estate assets of public and economic significance out of state ownership under various fictitious pretexts.

The properties were allegedly acquired at prices significantly below their market value.

According to the preliminary investigation, the assets were subsequently transferred to affiliated companies in an effort to conceal their actual ownership and alleged criminal origins.

The acquired properties were later reportedly disposed of through construction and sales, transfers to third parties, and the transfer of shares in the companies that owned the assets, including through gifts.

Investigators are also examining money transfers made to the former president's son between 2001 and 2019. The total amounts under investigation are approximately 144 billion Armenian drams ($394.3 million), $309 million, €77 million and 18 million Russian rubles ($212,754 million).

The investigation also covers the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of more than three dozen properties in Armenia and abroad that are allegedly owned by individuals involved in the criminal proceedings and members of their families.

The allegations are part of an ongoing preliminary investigation, and the circumstances described by investigators have yet to be established by a final court ruling.

09:39

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has been taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee, according to Agnesa Khamoyan, a lawmaker from the opposition Armenia bloc.

Report informs via Sputnik Armenia that the Armenian tax authorities have also sealed a Toyota dealership belonging to the Kocharyan family. Investigative activities are reportedly underway at the Orange Fitness sports complex as well.

Searches have been ongoing since early morning at the home of Kocharyan's son, Levon Kocharyan.

The Anti-Corruption Committee said that searches and other procedural actions are being carried out at several dozen addresses as part of a criminal investigation.

The authorities have not yet provided further details about the specific circumstances of the investigation or the actions involving Kocharyan.