The preliminary investigation has been completed in the criminal case against the rector and vice-rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU), and the case materials with an indictment have been sent to Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Court.

According to the Anti-Corruption Committee, operational and investigative measures established that officials of the Khachatur Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University used their official powers to receive bribes on an especially large scale, acting as a group with prior agreement.

In particular, the individual who served as vice-rector, with the rector’s knowledge, proposed that the head of the university’s transport department and the director of the university-run Aghavnadzor training base transfer bribes to him and the rector. In return, they promised to organize the reception of guests, provide leisure services, and manage the funds received for these services in violation of the charter and procedures of the “Kh. Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University” foundation and the base.

The officials also demanded and received bribes in exchange for controlling rental payments that were supposed to be entered into the foundation’s balance sheet, illegally managing a limited liability company created by the foundation, and controlling funds generated by its activities. They also accepted bribes for appointing university employees to additional positions and carrying out several other illegal actions.

As a result of these actions, university officials received bribes totaling about 18 million Armenian drams in especially large amounts. In addition, investigators uncovered cases where the rector and vice-rector abused their authority and official powers to embezzle around 12 million drams.

As a result, a total of about 30 million Armenian drams was not entered into the university’s balance sheet.

The rector has been charged under Article 441, Part 2, Point 4 (five counts) and Article 435, Part 2, Points 1, 2 and 3 (five counts) of Armenia’s Criminal Code, as well as Article 435, Part 2, Point 1.

The vice-rector has been charged under Article 441, Part 2, Point 4 (five counts), Article 435, Part 2, Points 1, 2 and 3 (five counts), Article 441, Part 2, Point 2, Article 435, Part 3, Point 3, Article 435, Part 2, Point 1, and Article 445, Part 2 (two counts) of the Criminal Code.

In addition, eight other university employees have been charged with giving bribes, assisting in bribery, and committing large-scale embezzlement.