Gagik Beglaryan, former Mayor of Yerevan and ex-head of the Kentron district, is accused of embezzling state property worth approximately 2.3 billion drams (around $6 million), according to Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee.

Between 2004 and 2010, Beglaryan allegedly abused his official authority to facilitate the unlawful transfer and laundering of 27 real estate properties by converting them into the ownership of individuals affiliated with him.

Authorities report that these actions were carried out in defiance of official duties and led to significant consequences. Moreover, between 2004 and 2017, Beglaryan is said to have repeatedly legalized property obtained through criminal means.

One specific incident involves the premises of Kindergarten No. 140 in Kentron district, valued at over 233 million drams. In December 2008, while serving as mayor, Beglaryan allegedly initiated its reorganization during a municipal council meeting, concealing his true intention to claim it for himself. The kindergarten was subsequently merged with another municipal preschool.

Later, Beglaryan is said to have persuaded the district’s former head to lease the property to a person linked to him. The asset was then sold under a fictitious sale contract for just 23 million drams—far below market value—to the same associate. Eventually, it was formally resold to Beglaryan’s father for 24 million drams, making the property de facto his.

This scheme effectively obscured the illicit origin of the asset. A similar process was used for 26 additional municipal properties—worth about 2 billion drams in total—which were transferred through direct sales, gifts, or mock auctions to persons close to Beglaryan, granting him actual control.

Criminal charges have been filed against Beglaryan, the former district head, and his deputy, covering multiple counts of money laundering, incitement to money laundering, and abuse of office.

During the investigation, Beglaryan returned approximately 210 million drams. Authorities have seized the implicated 27 properties to recover the state’s losses.

The preliminary investigation has concluded. The prosecutor has approved the indictment, and the case has been forwarded to court.