The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceedings carried out by the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Republic of Armenia established that an official of a relevant department of the Ministry of Economy used his official authority and influence to receive a bribe from a business entity in exchange for performing an illegal act in its favor.

Specifically, on May 13, 2025, the official received a bribe from the business entity at Zvartnots International Airport to avoid creating obstacles during the preparation of a state control report and to accelerate the import of natural processed diamonds from India into the Republic of Armenia.

The official of the Ministry of Economy has been charged under Article 435, Part 2, Clause 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, while the bribe-giver has been charged under Article 436, Part 2, Clause 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.

The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceedings has been completed, and the materials of the proceedings with the indictment have been submitted to the supervising prosecutor for approval and referral to court.

Notification. the person accused of a crime is considered innocent until his guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code by a verdict entered into legal force.