10 September 2026 , 20:12
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Armenian authorities released video footage on Wednesday showing seized valuables, including paintings, firearms, medals, and jewelry, following a search at the home of former Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan as part of an expanding corruption investigation.
Khachatryan, 71, who headed Armenia’s tax agency from 2008 to 2014 and served as finance minister until 2016, was arrested last week and placed in pre-trial detention. On Sept. 1, prosecutors detailed new charges against him, alleging he accepted real estate bribes worth $5.99 million for his sons, embezzled nearly $480,000 in state funds, and laundered illicit proceeds. In a statement sent to local media, his legal team denies all accusations.
Separately, anti-corruption prosecutors are seeking to confiscate 193 properties, 14 vehicles, stakes in 29 companies, and over $48 million in cash from Khachatryan and his relatives. The actions follow a joint operation with the U.S. Department of Justice, which resulted in the January auction of Khachatryan’s $36 million California mansion, with 85% of net proceeds designated for return to the Armenian government.
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