First deputy chairman of Armenia’s Chess Federation arrested

Armenian media outlet ArmLur.am reports that several individuals, including a senior chess official and university figures, have been detained as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

Among those reportedly arrested is Smbat Lputian, First Deputy Chairman of the Chess Federation of Armenia and founding director of the Chess Academy of Armenia. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific grounds for his detention, though initial reports suggest it may be linked to a broader case involving alleged irregularities at the Armenian State Pedagogical University.

Separately, the outlet says Mariam Ispiryan, a vice-rector of the university, and his son have been detained on suspicion of fraud. Preliminary reports indicate the case centres on allegations that the vice-rector arranged employment for his son, who did not attend work.