Opposition MPs face laundering, power misuse allegations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prosecutors intend to open a criminal investigation involving National Assembly Armenia faction MPs Seyran Ohanyan and Artsvik Minasyan. The case concerns allegations that years ago, within Gegharkunik’s Sevan National Park territory in the Drakhtik community, Ohanyan illegally acquired land, Pastinfo reports.

According to documents sent to Parliament by the Prosecutor General, upon appointment as Minister of Defense, Seyran Ohanyan unlawfully occupied 10,526 m² of state land at 1st Street, Drakhtik, located within Sevan National Park, without any legal right. Without building permit, and with the involvement of MoD officials, he arranged and ensured construction of his private residence there. Security of the property and buildings on the site was ensured by Defense Ministry military police at Ohanyan’s direction.

Investigators cite that the construction firm hired was later given privileged treatment in MoD procurement. The firm reportedly carried out around AMD 64.5 million worth of work, including building a swimming pool and sauna. Due to budget cuts in September 2015, work stopped. By year’s end, the company demanded AMD 58 million for completed work, but was rejected—on orders of the ministry and with Ohanyan’s knowledge—claims indicate the payment was deemed a “kickback” contaminating procurement integrity.

Currently, there is no public evidence that Artsvik Minasyan was directly involved, but the submission of charges suggests prosecutors plan to pursue criminal charges against him in connection with the same case.

The prosecution notes that while in office, Ohanyan abused his authority by illegally using protected park land to build a private residence, pool, and sauna, secured by military police. Later, investigators allege he tried to mask the illicit ownership by involving associates—his driver’s cousin and aide’s brother—who participated in procurement tenders, enabling transfer of lease and construction rights. A 2017 contract allowed Ohanyan to continue unimpeded control of the property.

The investigation also found that as a lawmaker, Ohanyan failed for years to declare the land and property. He concealed assets valued at approximately AMD 123 million in 2021, AMD 145 million in 2022, and over AMD 166 million in 2023.

Minasyan, who became Environment Minister in 2016 and concurrently served as deputy chair of Sevan National Park’s supervisory council, also chaired the interagency tender committee for protected land allocations. Investigators say he was aware of Ohanyan’s illegal use and construction but not only took no corrective actions, he supported the process and facilitated transferring construction rights to Ohanyan’s associates.

On the basis of all these actions, the Prosecutor’s Office has submitted to Parliament a request for consent to initiate criminal proceedings. Ohanyan is accused of abuse of authority, taking bribes, money laundering, and failure to properly declare assets. Minasyan may face charges for abuse of office.

Minasyan was appointed minister in 2016, while Ohanyan’s commencement of unauthorized occupation began between 2010–2015.