Armenian authorities detain Gyumri mayor amid bribery scandal PHOTO/VIDEO

Armenian law enforcement authorities have detained Vardan Ghukasyan, the mayor of Gyumri, amid an ongoing corruption investigation.

The mayor was reportedly escorted out of the building through a rear exit and placed into a black vehicle, which then departed the scene at high speed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

This development follows the launch of criminal proceedings against Ghukasyan and seven others, including the city’s chief architect. They are accused of accepting bribes in connection with unauthorized construction activities. The Armenian Investigative Committee has confirmed that detention orders have been issued for all eight individuals involved in the case.

Ghukasyan’s arrest is part of a broader anti-corruption operation that began earlier in the day and has sparked unrest in Gyumri, with clashes reported between security forces and local supporters of the opposition-aligned mayor.

To recall, reinforcements in the form of the elite Red Berets arrived in Gyumri from Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, amid escalating tensions in the city.

The specialized units gathered at Renaissance Square, where clashes intermittently erupted between the forces and local residents supporting opposition mayor Vardan Ghukasyan.

By Vafa Guliyeva