YEREVAN. – Based on the evidence obtained as a result of the investigation into the criminal case which the National Security Service of Armenia has launched against Gagik Khachatryan, former chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) and former Minister of Finance, criminal proceedings have been instituted against him, four persons from his circles, and three people holding high positions in the SRC, the Prosecutor General’s Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Numerous incidents of official and economic crimes—including giving and taking large bribes, and legalizing large amounts of property acquired through criminal means—have been revealed in this criminal case

In particular, during the investigation, data were obtained that from 2008 to 2014, Sedrak Arustamyan, General Director of Multi Group Concern LLC, had paid a bribe of $22,401,000 to Gagik Khachatryan, then SRC chairman, then from 2014 to 2016, the Minister of Finance—and through Khachatryan’s sons.

Arustamyan has been charged with giving bribe and aiding in the legalization of large sums of money obtained through criminal means, and has been remanded in custody.

In connection with these incidents, criminal proceedings were also initiated against the other persons who participated in this crime, and the property of the defendants was seized.

The investigation of this criminal case continues.