Armenia detains former finance minister Gagik Khachatryan on bribery charges

September 1, 2026 at 05:56 PM1 min

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Armenia's Investigative Committee detained former finance minister Gagik Khachatryan on charges of bribery, embezzlement and money laundering. The Prosecutor General's Office said Khachatryan is accused of receiving a large bribe from directors of Progress Armenia and Local Developers, embezzling 174.6 million drams during construction of the Dilijan training center, and laundering 151.1 million drams.

Key Facts

Gagik Khachatryan, former finance minister and ex-chairman of the State Revenue Committee, was detained by Armenia's Investigative Committee.
The Prosecutor General's Office accused Khachatryan of embezzling 174.6 million drams (about $480,000) during construction of the Dilijan training center.
Khachatryan is also accused of illegally alienating property worth 208.9 million drams (about $570,000) belonging to the V. Y. Bryusov University.
Searches were conducted at Khachatryan's apartments, his son's residence, and offices and branches of 21 related companies.

Detention and Charges

Armenia's Investigative Committee detained Gagik Khachatryan, former finance minister and ex-chairman of the State Revenue Committee, on charges of bribery, embezzlement and money laundering. Committee spokesperson Kima Avdalyan confirmed the detention to TASS, stating, "Khachatryan is detained, he is currently with us." The Prosecutor General's Office said Khachatryan is accused of receiving a large bribe from directors of Progress Armenia LLC and Local Developers LLC. He is also accused of embezzling 174.6 million drams (about $480,000) during construction of the Dilijan training center.

Searches and Related Companies

Investigators conducted searches at Khachatryan's apartments, his son's residence, and offices and branches of 21 related companies. The searches were part of a criminal case initiated over large-scale bribery and money laundering. Khachatryan is also accused of illegally alienating property worth 208.9 million drams (about $570,000) belonging to the V. Y. Bryusov University. The money laundering charge involves 151.1 million drams (about $415,000).