A member of Armenia’s Commission on Prevention of Corruption, allegedly linked to the government, has blocked the commission from fining Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s wife for failing to declare at least $23,000 in cash on her asset statement.
Armine Muradyan, like other senior officials and their spouses, must annually disclose their incomes and assets. During an inquiry earlier this year, Muradyan claimed the undeclared sum was from cash gifts received at their wedding in January 2022, which she did not report due to a “technical” error.
Two of the commission’s three members argued that Muradyan should be fined up to 400,000 drams (over $1,000) according to Armenian law. However, the third member, Aramayis Pashinyan, vetoed this decision. Pashinyan defended his stance, downplaying the violation and stating that Muradyan later deposited the money into her bank account.
Investigative journalist Vahe Sarukhanian dismissed Pashinyan’s explanation, suggesting that his leniency was due to his close ties to the government. Pashinyan is married to Deputy Prosecutor-General Srbuhi Galian’s sister, who oversees the seizure of assets deemed illegally acquired by former officials.
Haykuhi Harutiunian, the former chair of the anti-corruption commission, also criticized Pashinyan’s decision, arguing that the origin of the gifts should have been verified. Harutiunian had previously investigated pro-government lawmakers before being dismissed by the Armenian parliament, controlled by the ruling Civil Contract party, last December.
Defense Minister Papikyan, a key member of the ruling party, has faced allegations of illicit enrichment. Some media outlets estimate his wedding party cost at least $40,000, while his official monthly salary is about $2,000. Papikyan has not commented on these claims.
Additionally, Papikyan drew controversy for purchasing a $168,000 apartment, which is estimated to be worth $412,000. The apartment is in a complex built by a company linked to a businessman with ties to former President Serzh Sarkisian. The businessman’s son, Vahagn Arsenian, was elected mayor on the Civil Contract ticket amid draft evasion investigations.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defended Papikyan, stating that he obtained a mortgage to buy the property and will repay it with his legal income. The Prime Minister reiterated claims of eliminating systemic corruption in Armenia.
Despite this, Armenian media continue to report on alleged corruption among senior officials and pro-government lawmakers. In March 2023, hackers hijacked the YouTube channel of the Yerevan daily Aravot to prevent the release of a report on expensive property acquisitions by government officials.
Armenia ranked 62nd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index released in January.
