Armenia places former economy minister under house arrest

The Armenian Anti-Corruption Court has made a decision to place former Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan under house arrest for two months.

The decision can be appealed within 10 days after receiving the judicial act, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

In particular, the former minister is prohibited from leaving home, receiving anyone or communicating with strangers. Correspondence and phone talks are prohibited, except for emergency cases, such as calls to an ambulance, law enforcement agencies and the rescue service. He is also prohibited from using other means of communication.

The former minister was summoned for questioning by the Investigative Committee on February 15 and he was charged under the article “abuse of official powers” due to a high-profile case at the Ministry of Economy regarding a tender for the development of intensive gardening. Eight people have been involved in this case, namely, five officials of the Ministry of Economy, including Kerobyan, and three representatives of the Synergy company. Deputy Minister Ani Ispiryan also remains under house arrest.

The minister announced his resignation from his post on February 14, the day before he was summoned to the Investigative Committee.

A criminal case was filed against several officials of the Economy Ministry and representatives of the private sector on January 31. According to investigators, officials entered into a conspiracy with the head of one of the companies, creating artificial obstacles to the participation of its competitor as part of the tender “Creation of a bank for public investment programmes”. As a result, the company which sent a bid (392 million drams, which is almost $100,000) won.