Dozens in Armenia accused of arm embezzlement following 44-day war

Ninety-three people are being charged as defendants in criminal cases related to the illegal acquisition, theft, transportation and storage of weapons following the 44-day Armenia-Azerbaijan Second Karabakh War in 2020.

As of April 1, 2022, some accused individuals have been arrested, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia reported that from September 27, 2021 to April 1, 2022, a total of 219 criminal cases were initiated on 756 materials related to illegal arms trafficking. Sixteen of the cases were reportedly merged with others, while 38 cases were suspended due to flee of the accused individuals or the unknown situation with their whereabouts.

Another 63 criminal cases were dismissed, of which 38 were acquitted, and another 25 were dropped based in on other reasons. The investigation currently continues on other 60 criminal cases.

The Prosecutor General's Office reported that as part of the investigation, assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, bayonet knives, weapons with optical devices, anti-tank grenade launchers, rounds of various calibres, fuses, grenades, TNT blocks, and explosive devices were found and confiscated.

Some 42 criminal cases involving 54 people have reportedly been sent to court.

The court delivered guilty verdicts in 29 cases.