In August 2019, the Audit Chamber of Armenia conducted inspections at the regional governor’s office of Syunik Province and subordinate institutions and detected misuse, the Investigative Committee of Armenia told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In particular, it was established that in the period between 2017 and 2018, former governor of Syunik Province Vahe Hakobyan, his two assistants and his driver didn’t show up to work, but received their salaries.

The Syunik Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case regarding embezzlement or extortion and official fraud.

Within the scope of the launched criminal case, Hakobyan has been summoned to the Investigative Committee as a witness, but his attorney has asked the body implementing proceedings to postpone the visit due to Hakobyan’s personal matters, to which the investigator has paid heed and summoned him to a questioning on January 29, 2021.