Based on the evidence obtained in the course the criminal proceedings carried out in the RA Anti-Corruption Committee it was justified that an official of Syunik marz territorial division of the conscription and recruitment service of RA Ministry of Defense demanded and received a total of USD 28,000 in the form of bribes from various persons for taking actions in favor of conscripts and protectionism.

In particular, it was found out that a resident of Yerevan, G. H., entered into an agreement with the above-mentioned official of the Ministry of Defense in order to help recognize his son, who was to be drafted for military service in the summer, 2023, as unfit for conscription on the basis of a fictitious illness, in exchange for a bribe. To realize their criminal intention, the latter took coordinated measures, as a result of which the son of G. H. was formally registered in one of the communities of Syunik marz, thus falling into the service area of the department headed by the official of the Ministry of Defense.

Then, by prior agreement, the official of the Ministry of Defense, using his official powers and the influence caused by them to commit the above illegal act in favor of G. H.’s son, on May 21, 2023, received a bribe personally from G. H. a particularly large bribe in the amount of USD 23,000.

In addition, the preliminary investigation revealed that the above-mentioned official, being close relationship with one of the officers of Syunik marz territorial division of the conscription and recruitment service of RA Ministry of Defense, reached an agreement through the mediation of the latter with a couple from Kapan community for acting in favor of their son and patronage, namely, interfering in the conscription process if necessary and guaranteeing a deferment, against a bribe of USD 5,000.

As a result, after receiving a bribe by the official of the Ministry of Defense through an intermediary person, the conscript was granted a deferment from compulsory military service.

For the aforementioned criminal acts, the official of the Ministry of Defense was charged under Article 435, Part 3, Clause 3, Article 435, Part 2, Clauses 2 and 3 of the RA Criminal Code, and the persons who gave a bribe and assisted in giving a bribe to the latter - under Article 436, Part 3, Clause 2, Article 436, Part 2, Clauses 1, 2 and 3, and Article 437, Part 1.

The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceedings has been completed. The indictment has been approved by the prosecutor, and the materials of the proceedings are filed to the court for consideration on the merits.

Notification. the person accused of a crime is considered innocent until his guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code by a verdict entered into legal force.