By the instruction of the RA IC Chairman the RA IC Deputy Chairman, Head of General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases Samvel Avetisyan and Head of Department of Investigation of Corruption-Related Crimes, Crimes against Property and Cybercrimes Yura Ivanyan met today the members of expert group of “ELARD” company.

The expert group presented the preliminary results of complex examination commissioned for exploitation of gold-bearing quartzite of Amulsar.

Officials of RA Ministry of Nature Protection also took part in the meeting.

We remind that on November 8, 2018 within the criminal case investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee prequalification process of international independent study for assessment of environmental and social impact of Amulsar Gold Mine exploitation was announced.

Several international professional companies had submitted applications for tender. As a result, preference was given to «Earth Link & Advanced Resources Development» (ELARD) which signed a contract with Investigative Committee on carrying out the comprehensive study commissioned within the criminal case investigated in IC General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases to assess the risks of environmental impact during exploitation and post-exploitation of Amulsar Gold Mine, as well as to study the assessment reports on environmental and social impact made for the mine exploitation.

It was earlier informed that a criminal case was initiated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee on willful concealing of information about pollution of environment by officials of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection.

Considering that in the prepared materials there are apparent crime elements envisaged by the Part 1 of the Article 282 of RA Criminal Code today a criminal case was initiated in the RA IC General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases. An investigatory plan has been worked out and necessary investigatory actions are conducted to provide the comprehensive, complete and objective investigation of the case.