News - Officials from Aparan Municipality Charged with Corruption

On January 15, 2026, the Anti-Corruption Committee announced charges against officials from the Aparan Municipality following an investigation into alleged corrupt practices. According to the committee's report, the municipality's department head, along with two other employees, were involved in a bribery scheme. Evidence gathered during the inquiry suggested that they accepted illicit payments in exchange for expediting property registration and document processing for various local residents. This investigation, part of a broader audit into corruption within local government offices across Armenia, highlighted systemic issues within the municipality's operations. The department head, identified only as H.H., allegedly orchestrated the operation, leveraging his authority to manipulate internal processes. Officials used their positions to offer preferential treatment for bribes, undermining the integrity of public services. The committee emphasized the severity of these actions, stating that such breaches of public trust could not go unpunished. Legal proceedings against the involved officials are now pending, with potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment. The department head was officially detained during the preliminary stages of the investigation. In connection with this case, residents who offered bribes have also been charged. Their cases are being processed separately by the Anti-Corruption Court, as the government continues to send a strong message against corruption. The broader implications of these proceedings underscore the government's commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within all levels of its operations, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for corruption. Officials have urged citizens to report any suspected cases of corruption, reiterating that only collective vigilance and adherence to ethical standards can foster a more robust public service environment. Furthermore, the committee plans to widen the scope of its investigations to prevent similar instances in other municipalities. This proactive approach aims not only to curb current corrupt practices but also to deter future misconduct through enhanced governance reforms.