The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceeding investigated by the RA Anti-Corruption Committee established that the person who held the position of the head of Ptghni community of Kotayk marz of the Republic of Armenia in 2000-2021, using his official powers and the influence arising by them contrary to the interests of society and the state, in 2000-2013 prepared false statements stating that, allegedly by the decision of the local commission on land reform and privatization, he, his family members and his affiliates were allocated 17 units of state and community land plots for various purposes located on the territory of the Ptghni community, as a result of which the latter's property rights to them were registered. As a result of the embezzlement of the said 17 units of real estate, Ptghni community and the Republic of Armenia suffered property damage in the total amount of AMD 23,450,000.

The preliminary investigation also established that the head of the Ptghni community, at an auction organized on 05.10.2020, alienated a water-related land plot located in the territory of the said community, with a market value of AMD 134,000,000 for AMD 42,000,000 to the only participant in the said auction, a person affiliated with him, as a result of which the community suffered property damage in the amount of AMD 92,400,000.

In addition, the same official, pursuing the goal of embezzling the property of Ptghni community entrusted to him in a particularly large amount, entered into a preliminary agreement with persons affiliated with him, who expressed their readiness to officially register their property rights to the property acquired as a result of embezzlement and later transfer it to the son of the head of the community. As a result, the head of Ptghni community, using his official position, on November 26, 2018, prepared fake statements and decisions, based on which the ownership rights of 4 persons affiliated with him were registered over 4 units of land plots of targeted purpose in settlements, after which, during 2020-2021, the ownership rights of the son of the head of the community were registered over the said land plots based on formal purchase and sale contracts. Thus, the head of the community, through embezzlement, appropriated property in a particularly large amount of AMD 65,920,000 and legalized it.

Six persons, including the former head of Ptghni community and his two sons, have been charged with money laundering on an especially large scale, embezzlement of property on an especially large scale, and aiding and abetting it. The preliminary investigation against them has been completed. The materials of the criminal proceedings, together with the indictment, have been sent to the supervising prosecutor with a motion to approve it and send it 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.