Armenia detains former President Robert Kocharyan as corruption probe expands

Armenian authorities on Tuesday arrested former President Robert Kocharyan and searched the properties of the former leader and his family members as they advanced a criminal investigation involving alleged corruption.

The Anti-Corruption Committee said in a statement that Kocharyan and his oldest son Sedrak were arrested in connection with the probe. They also searched dozens of properties associated with Kocharyan and family members.

The probe involves alleged crimes during Kocharyan’s presidency between 1998 and 2008, and prosecutors claim he used his presidential powers to buy expensive state properties at below market value, according to the Anti-Corruption Committee.

Kocharyan was brought to the committee early Tuesday as searches continued in other locations. His office has dismissed the move as another ‘attack’ against the former President and his family, according to CivilNet.

Kocharyan’s other son is opposition politician Levon Kocharyan, whose house was among other places searched by authorities. This comes as Kocharyan is involved in a protracted legal dispute after leaving office, having undergone various legal proceedings, including asset confiscation attempts. No verdict has been reached in this case yet.