Sargis Galstyan, a former Nagorno-Karabakh official accused of espionage, who was transferred to Armenia after staying in Nagorno-Karabakh capital Stepanakert for about half a year, was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years in prison, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Syunik Province court of general jurisdiction publicized the verdict a little while ago, finding Galstyan guilty of espionage.

Galstyan had held various positions in Nagorno Karabakh between 2018 and 2023.

According to the accusation, he was recruited into the special intelligence service of a foreign state and spied since 2020.

He had the nickname "Sarkhan." And from 2020 to 2023, he conveyed to the foreign special service employee information about the socioeconomic situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the mood of its population, the latter’s attitude towards military operations, and the possible military support of Armenia during the September war.

The prosecution will appeal this verdict.