Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and his elder son Sedrak Kocharyan have been detained as part of criminal proceedings into suspected corruption offences. Searches were also carried out at the home of another son of the former president — MP Levon Kocharyan.
WHAT IS KNOWN
According to the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia, six people have been detained as part of the criminal proceedings into offences of a corrupt nature, including Robert Kocharyan and Sedrak Kocharyan.
Robert Kocharyan has been formally charged, his lawyer Aram Orbelyan said. According to the defence counsel, the charge relates to episodes concerning the ratification of government decisions during Kocharyan's presidency.
The defence, however, disputes the validity of the charge brought.
WHAT SUSPICIONS THE INVESTIGATION IS CONSIDERING
According to the investigation's version of events, during Robert Kocharyan's presidency, state-owned property may have been transferred to individuals connected to him at prices significantly below market value.
Some of the assets, it is believed, were then registered to companies and family members. The former president is also suspected of acquiring assets of value to the state at a low price.
It is noted that a case is being investigated against Robert Kocharyan for abuse of official powers and money laundering.
WHAT HAPPENED AT LEVON KOCHARYAN'S
A search was also carried out at the flat of Levon Kocharyan, an MP in the National Assembly of Armenia and another son of the former president. He was also taken to the Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia.
MP Mesrop Manukyan said that law enforcement officers had carried out investigative actions at Levon Kocharyan's home.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT ROBERT KOCHARYAN
Robert Kocharyan was the second president of Armenia and held the post from 1998 to 2008. In 1997, he served as the country's prime minister.
