Former Armenian finance minister faces arrest in bribery probe

Armenian authorities have ordered the arrest of Gagik Khachatryan, the country’s former finance minister and former chairman of the State Revenue Committee, as part of a criminal investigation into large-scale bribery and money laundering.

As Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media, the decision was announced by Armenia’s Investigative Committee.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement authorities carried out a series of urgent investigative measures, including searches at the residences of Khachatryan and his son. Searches were also conducted at the offices and branches of approximately 21 companies affiliated with the two.

The criminal proceedings concern allegations of receiving bribes on an especially large scale and money laundering, according to the Investigative Committee.

Armenian media have previously reported on Khachatryan’s serious health problems. He was reportedly diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment in Germany. However, reports said that in recent years he had been barred from leaving Armenia to continue receiving medical treatment abroad.

By Vafa Guliyeva