Charges have been brought against Armenia's Minister of Emergency Situations Andranik Piloyan, who was detained on Wednesday, March 30, the country's National Security Service reports.

8 more people have been involved in the case as defendants, while 10 others are suspects.

The National Security Service said on Thursday that investigators have uncovered information about Ministry officials receiving large sums of money in bribes or assisting in the process, while charges also include abuse of power, embezzlement, illegal payments and other abuses.

Numerous crimes have been confirmed to have been committed, the NSS said, which involved the Minister of Emergency Situations, his adviser, and more than 10 employees of the Ministry, including heads of department.

Piloyan was appointed in the post in November 2020, shortly after receiving the title of the Armenian National Hero by a presidential decree.