Armenia’s Special Investigative Service (SIS)  says it has uncovered evidence that fifteen parcels of land in three communities (Dilijan, Mkhchyan and Narek) were improperly sold to relatives and close associates of former Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan as a result of the collusion between local officials and auction commission members.

Documents were forged and auctions not held, the SIS announced today.

The SIS says it uncovered evidence of the property sales as part of a 2018 investigation in which Abrahamyan has been charged with “Illegal participation in entrepreneurial activity” (Criminal Code Article 310) and “Exceeding official authority”.

The charges are based on the September 2008 testimony by the director of a mining company called Avazahatik Ltd.

The director testified that in 2008, Abrahamyan (then President of the National Assembly) and other high-ranking officials impeded the company’s operation and demanded a 60% share of the stock, threatening that the mines would be closed otherwise.