In the result of investigatory actions of great volume conducted in the framework of the criminal case on abuses recorded in the process of distribution of fertilizer in several communities of Aragatsotn region investigated in Aragatsotn Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee new actual data were obtained on swindling in particularly large amount from state budget by cheating by organizations engaged in introduction and selling of fertilizer within state programs.

9 criminal cases were received in Aragatsotn Regional Investigative Department on different abuses recorded in the process of distribution of fertilizer to the farmers of several communities within the implementation of state support programs to acquire fertilizer at affordable prices for agricultural work.

In order to provide the comprehensive complete and objective investigation, by the instruction of the Head of Aragatsotn Regional Investigative Department the mentioned 9 cases were joint in one proceeding, an investigatory plan was worked out and necessary investigatory actions of great volume were conducted to find out the mechanism of abuses, the frame of those involved in them and to personalize their actions. As a result, actual data were obtained on the allegation that from 2013 to 2016 the function of introduction of nitrogen fertilizer was given to «Fertility Regional Association of Masis» LLC and the function of phosphorous and potassium fertilizers was given to «Wonder Garden» LLC without holding a competition by the RA Ministry of Agriculture. The mentioned companies having monopoly every year implemented the mentioned programs at the expense of state interest-free loan, state subsidy and grant.  
    

It was found out that «Fertility Regional Association of Masis» LLC acquired nitrogen fertilizer from Georgia for 340 USD a tone which had to be introduced in sacks of 50kg. In fact, the introduced sacks were lighter than 50kg however they were sold to beneficiaries – farmers as sacks of 50kg. As a result, pursuant to preliminary estimates, money in particularly large amount – about 158.400.000 AMD was swindled by cheating from the state.

Another mechanism of abuses was disclosed in the process of introduction of phosphorous and potassium fertilizers. «Wonder Garden» LLC introducing the mentioned two types of fertilizers from China and Russia while implementing the program of 2015 did not sell the planned volume. However, the subsidy money received in advance for the program of 2016 was presented less. As a result, pursuant to preliminary estimates, money in particularly large amount – about 38.800.000 was swindled by cheating from the state.

On the base of the newly disclosed data a criminal case was initiated by the investigator of particularly important cases of the RA IC Aragatsotn Regional Investigative Department according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 178 of RA Criminal Code. Necessary investigatory actions are conducted to disclose other manifestations, counts of abuses. Appropriate procedural decisions will be made on the base of the obtained evidence and additional information about it will be provided.  

Note; Everyone charged with alleged crime offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.