Armenia's Investigative Committee Concludes Criminal Case Against Former Education Minister Armen Ashotyan

Armenia's Investigative Committee has completed its preliminary investigation into a criminal case involving former Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the opposition Republican Party, along with two other individuals.

Details of the Alleged Illegal Transaction

According to ArmInfo, the case centers on the illegal alienation (privatization) of a public building located at 38/1 Pushkin Street in central Yerevan. The property, which has a total area of 451.1 square meters, was previously owned by the Republic of Armenia.

The building had formerly been allocated for the use of the Yerevan V. Bryusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences. According to law enforcement agencies, a total of seven people were involved in the illegal transfer of this state property, as well as in a large-scale money laundering scheme.

Charges and Legal Prospects

The individuals involved in the case are facing charges of abuse of official power, exceeding their authority through prior group collusion, and aiding in money laundering operations.

As stated in the official release from the Committee:

"The criminal proceedings against A.A., G.G., and A.Av. have been sent to the prosecutor with an indictment."