Former Armenian defence official accused of illegally selling military pantheon lands

A former high-ranking official from Armenia's Defence Ministry is under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a scheme that caused significant financial harm to the state.

The accusations, totalling 6.2 billion drams (approximately $16 million), stem from the illegal sale of 19 land plots, including prime locations on Isahakyan Avenue and adjacent to the revered "Yerablur" military pantheon.

Reports from Armenian media, cited by Caliber.Az, indicate that the Armenian Investigative Committee has concluded its preliminary investigation into this complex case.

It has been revealed that during the period spanning from 2005 to 2008, the former head of the Ministry's Department of Capital Construction and Cantonment of Troops purportedly manipulated his authority to sell these valuable parcels well below their market value. This alleged abuse of power was reportedly facilitated with the assistance of accomplices within both the defence ministry and other state entities.

The investigation has resulted in the freezing of the ex-official's assets pending further legal proceedings. This development underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential ramifications for those implicated in the misappropriation of state resources.