Tax evasion charges against Tsarukyan dropped, lawyer says

Tax evasion charges against Armenian businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan have been dropped, his lawyer Yerem Sargsyan said on Tuesday, adding prosecutors found the allegations baseless.

Sargsyan told reporters that while the tax case has been dismissed, Tsarukyan still faces accusations of large-scale fraud and money laundering. He said the defense has submitted contracts, guarantees, and witness testimony to investigators but claimed the law-enforcement authorities are disregarding the evidence.

“The facts show Tsarukyan and the Armenian side are the victims, since they were the ones investing money,” Sargsyan said. He argued that investigators are relying on verbal claims rather than documented proof, dismissing binding documents and testimony.

The lawyer added that the defense is preparing additional materials, but expressed doubt that prosecutors will conduct an impartial review.