The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceedings initiated by the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Republic of Armenia on the basis of data received from the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia has substantiated that A. V., holding the position of head of the conscription department of one of the territorial divisions of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, in a group with the head of another territorial division of the Ministry of Defense A.A. and a number of other officials of the Ministry of Defense, using their influence on the Central Medical Commission,  for releasing conscripts from mandatory military service or for deferring conscription, demanded and received from their relatives bribes in large and particularly large amounts totaling USD 50.000.

In particular, in the course the preliminary investigation it was established that A. V., having entered into a preliminary agreement with these persons, in January 2024, in order to postpone the military service of a conscript subject to winter military service for a period of 6 months, demanded and received from his relative a bribe in a particularly large amount of USD 25.000. As a result, based on the conclusion of the Central Medical Commission, the conscript was granted a deferment for a period of one year.

As a result of evidentiary and other procedural actions carried out within the framework of the criminal proceedings, it was also established that A. V. and the head of the territorial unit of the Ministry of Defense A. H., with the assistance of the head of another territorial unit of the Ministry of Defense S. H. and the driver of the latter G. G., in order to freely release another conscript from military service, they demanded and received from his father a particularly large bribe of USD 15.000. As a result, based on the decision of the Central Medical Commission, the said conscript was exempted from mandatory military service.

In addition, on January 19, 2024, A. V. accepted an offer of a large bribe in the amount of $5.000 from an acquaintance for the unhindered release of another conscript from mandatory military service, after which the said conscript, based on the conclusion of the Central Medical Commission, was recognized as fit to a limited extent, and on this basis his departure for mandatory military service  was postponed until the next call.

It also turned out that A. V., together with A. H. and an ophthalmologist of the territorial unit of the Ministry of Defense L. A., for the complete exemption from military service of another conscript subject to winter conscription, in January 2024 demanded and received USD 5.000 from the conscript’s father as a bribe, after which the Central Territorial Commission of the Ministry of Defense declared the conscript unfit for military service and exempted him from mandatory military service.

The head of the conscription department of the territorial unit of the Ministry of Defense A. V. was charged with receiving a bribe on a large and particularly amount under Article 435, Part 3, Clause 3 of the RA Criminal Code (two episodes), Article 435, Part 2, Clauses 1, 2 and 3, and Article 435, Part 2, Clauses 2 and 3 of RA Criminal Code.

In the course of the preliminary investigation, charges were brought against 8 more persons, including heads of regional units A H and S H, for receiving, giving and assisting in giving bribes.

Arrest was applied as a measure of restriction against the 4 accused.

The preliminary investigation under the criminal proceedings against nine accused has been completed, the materials of the proceedings have been sent to the court with an indictment 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.