Four individuals have been charged in a diesel fuel theft case following an investigation by Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee. According to the preliminary investigation results, the deputy commander of a battalion in an Armenian Defense Ministry unit, in collusion with the unit’s warehouse manager, used their official positions to commit large-scale diesel fuel theft.

The deputy commander allegedly recorded a surplus of 700 liters of diesel but deliberately withheld it from the warehouse records, opting instead to sell it. He contacted the platoon commander to arrange the sale. The fuel was transported from the base in a buyer’s vehicle, sold, and the proceeds were divided among the perpetrators.

Investigators found that the group later attempted to smuggle another two tons of diesel using the same vehicle. However, the operation was halted when the warehouse manager was arrested and taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee.

The deputy commander and warehouse manager have been charged under Article 256, Part 2 (Points 1 and 2), and Article 44-256, Part 2 (Points 1, 2, and 3) of Armenia’s Criminal Code for theft and attempted theft of diesel.

Charges were also filed against the platoon commander and the fuel buyer. The buyer has been placed under house arrest.

The full financial damage to the state has been repaid during the investigation.

The preliminary investigation is complete, and the case has been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Court with an indictment.