Former Vanadzor mayor arrested on money laundering charges

Former Vanadzor Mayor Samvel Darbinyan has been arrested along with three others as part of a criminal investigation led by Armenia's Investigative Committee.

According to Kima Avdalyan, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, five individuals have been charged with large-scale money laundering through abuse of office or influence under Article 296 (Part 3, Clauses 2 and 3) of Armenia’s Criminal Code. Four of the suspects have been taken into custody.

Media reports suggest that one of the detainees is Samvel Darbinyan’s brother.

The investigation is underway.