Based on the combination of sufficient evidence obtained during the preliminary investigation of the criminal case being investigated by the Special Investigation Service of Armenia in regard to unlawful gathering and dissemination of information deemed to be secret of personal life and abuse of official position, the head of the relevant subdivision of the National Security Service of Armenia has been charged with abuse of official position.

As reported the Special Investigation Service, based on the charge brought against the head of the subdivision, without necessity as an official, in the absence of a goal and other legitimate grounds prescribed by law, on January 9, 2020, asked the employee of the relevant subdivision of the National Security Service to check information regarding conviction of Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia Suren Papikyan in the database.

Upon the request of the head of the subdivision, the employee received a statement of information on data deemed to be secret of Suren Papikyan's personal life from the Police of Armenia and transmitted it to the head of the subdivision.

Signature to not leave the country has been selected as a pre-trial measure for the accused-on-trial. The investigator has decided to temporarily terminate the term of office of the officer.

The preliminary investigation continues.