According to the Armenian Special Investigation Service, nineteen employees of the State Revenue Committee have been charged with bribery. A preliminary investigation revealed that a senior customs officer, aided by another customs officer, received bribes from more than ten citizens for the illegal import of fruits, vegetables, household and other goods from August to December 2017.
According to the indictment, both officers established close relations with the residents of Bagratashen, a village located near the border with Georgia. In exchange for bribes, the residents of the village imported various goods into Armenia without customs clearance.
Arka.am reported that seventeen other customs officers are also charged with bribery and bribery mediation.
