Within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated by Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee based on a report received from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the preliminary investigation established that the director of the Stepanavan Forestry Branch of the "Hayantar" SNCO, by abusing official powers, committed fraud and embezzlement of entrusted property.

As reported to Armenia News – NEWS.am by the press service of the republic’s Anti-Corruption Committee, in particular, the preliminary investigation established that the said official, having hired a citizen in various months of 2023 and 2024, kept his bank card and then handed over part of the salary received to him in cash while keeping the remaining part for himself.

In addition, the person holding the position of director of the Stepanavan Forestry Branch of the "Hayantar" SNCO, while another citizen was absent from work, submitted false information stating that the latter had attended work, as a result of which he kept most of the salary transferred to the said employee for himself.

During the preliminary investigation, a fact of embezzlement by fraud of about 493,000 drams from 7 citizens hired by the senior forester of the same branch as seasonal workers was also uncovered.

The director of the Stepanavan Forestry Branch of the "Hayantar" SNCO has been charged under Point 2 of Part 2 of Article 256 and Point 2 of Part 2 of Article 255 of the RA Criminal Code, while the employee has been charged under Part 1 of Article 445. The senior forester of the forestry branch has been charged under Point 2 of Part 2 of Article 255 of Armenia’s Criminal Code.

The preliminary investigation in the criminal proceedings has been completed, and the case materials together with the indictment have been sent to Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court.