A study was conducted on the basis of information received from the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia at the Department of State Interests Protection of the RA General Prosecutor’s Office on the legality of exploiting subsoil in the areas next to Berdashen settlement and “Lake Arpi National Park”.  For that purpose, necessary documents were requested and received also from the RA State Revenue Committee.   

 

According to the study, it was found out in the result of the measurement facts of illegal exploitation of subsoil and mining mountain mass with the volume of 524028,7 m3 next to the areas of Lake Sevan from 14-17 September 2020. 

 

According to the Decision of the RA Government it was estimated that 22.620.000 AMD damage was caused, including 3 million 982 thousand AMD at the special preservation territory of “Lake Arpi National Park” SNCO, 9 million 509 thousand AMD at the lands of community and agricultural use and 9 million 509 thousand AMD at other types of land, 9 million 129 thousand AMD at the privatized lands.

 

According to the data received from the RA State Revenue Committee, in case of mining such volume, depending the type of ore (for which a professional conclusion is needed) the nature use charge may be from 78.000 AMD to 534.771.000 AMD.

 

That is to say in the result of the study data was received that damage from 78.000 AMD to 534.771.000 AMD caused to the state 524028,7 sq. mountain mass was taken, transported and used till September 17, 2020.

 

Taking into account that during the study allegations of crime were found by the prosecutor, a criminal case was initiated at the Department of State Interests Protection according to Article 290, Part 1 and Article 291, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code.  

 

The criminal case was sent to the RA Investigative Committee for preliminary investigation.

 

Notice: Every person suspected in or charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent unless proved guilty in the manner prescribed by the RA Criminal Procedure Code and unless the verdict comes into legal force.