Yerevan’s General Court of Jurisdiction today issued an arrest warrant for former Armenian Minister of Nature Protection Aram Harutyunyan, charged with taking bribes and money laundering while minister in 2008.

Armenia’s Prosecutor General filed the charges after a Special Investigative Service probe concluded that Harutyunyan received US$14 million in bribes when handing out ten exploratory mining permits in Syunik, Lori and Gegharkunik Provinces.

The investigation also revealed that Harutyunyan has opened several overseas bank accounts under different names to make money transfers.

The SIS revealed that Harutyunyan, with the help of confidantes, funneled $8 million of the above $14 million to Switzerland via a bank in the UAE.

A manhunt has been launched for Harutyunyan.

Karen Hakobyan, Harutyunyan’s lawyer, told reporters today in Yerevan that his client is in Armenia and denies the charges levied against him.

“Essentially, it would be illogical to accept the charges given that they are so ridiculous,” Hakobyan said.