In the result of investigatory and other procedural actions conducted in Stepanavan Investigative Division of Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee circumstances of embezzlement committed by the head of Metsavan community of Lori region were found out, the latter was arrested.

On June 6, 2018 a criminal case was initiated in Prosecution Office of Lori region on abuses committed by the head of Metsavan community according to the Point 1 of the Part 3 of the Article 179 and the Part 1 of the Article 314 of RA Criminal Code. Preliminary investigation of the criminal case is conducted in Stepanavan Investigative Division of Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee.

In the result of taken measures it was found out that having the right to appoint and dismiss people holding discretionary positions, to possess the budget resources of the community, to provide the management of community budget procedure, as prescribed by law, the head of Metsavan community of Lori region S. Vardanyan was aware that from June, 2013 to May 31, 2018 the headmaster of the school under supervision of the community and from December 1, 2016 to May 31, 2018 the door keeper of the same school did not go to work. However, he did not take appropriate measures. Instead, he made official documents showing working hours, confirmed and ratified them with his signature in which he included false information about headmaster and doorkeeper’s regular attendance to work and actual time worked. As a result, particularly large amount of salary was groundlessly withdrawn in their names. The total amount of the swindled money is 4.457.718 AMD.

It was also found out that in 2017 out of mercenary motives the community head made official false documents on providing social aid to a number of residents of the community – families in need. As a result, 380.000 AMD was groundlessly withdrawn as social welfare money.   

The head of Metsavan community S. Vardanyan was arrested on suspicion of committing abuses. The inflicted damage was restored.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing.

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