In the investigative committee of the Lori region of the Republic of Armenia, officials have uncovered evidence of criminal offenses related to economic and administrative activities. These offenses occurred between December 2016 and April 2020 within the civil and administrative sectors of the criminal economy. The investigation has revealed that a high-ranking official in the Ghegharkunik province of the Lori region abused their power and engaged in non-transparent practices, resulting in damages amounting to 2,790,000 AMD.

According to information from the RA Investigative Committee, a community-authorized agreement was signed on August 31, 2010, between the municipality and the city. This agreement outlined the rental of 0.02 hectares of land in the administrative territory of the same community in the Lori region, specifically for agricultural activities. The rental fee was set at 3,000 AMD per year for a 25-year period. However, on September 22, a new contract was signed with a telecommunications company, leasing the same plot of land for non-agricultural purposes. The rental fee for this contract was 840,000 AMD per year for 10 years. As a result, the state suffered damages amounting to 2,790,000 AMD.

The high-ranking official in question failed to comply with the conditions outlined in the rental agreement, which specified the land’s intended use and rental fee. Additionally, the rental fee was not included in the financial statements of the community. This act of abuse of power and personal interests caused damage to the rights and property of the community, resulting in a loss of 2,790,000 AMD that was not accounted for in the community budget.

Based on the substantial evidence collected during the investigation, the high-ranking official from the Ghegharkunik province of the Lori region has been charged with a violation of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, as stated in Article 315 of the previous Criminal Code. The investigation has concluded, and the materials of the criminal case, along with the indictment, have been submitted to the appropriate court for approval and to initiate a trial.

Source: NEWS.am