When did the “Criminal Grouping” Appear under NSS Control and what was Vahan Shirkhanyan’s Role in it?— NSS Official Clarifies

There are in-detail confessions on neutralized “criminal grouping” by the National Security Service (NSS). Mikayel Hambardzumyan, First Deputy Chief of Investigation Department of NSS, told about this today in reply to the question by 168.am , stating that published data are also the result and implication of those testimonies. He mentioned that he’d refrain from mentioning names, as it refers not only investigation privacy, but comes from interests of the accused.

To the observation that there are suspicions among the public, Mikayel Hambardzumyan replied he didn’t know what they’re conditioned by, and he wouldn’t want the public imagine the process of crime detection such an easy one.

According to him, people of key importance of the grouping had secret phones and phone numbers, by which they contacted exclusively one another, Artur Vardanyan was busy with legal activities: he initiated an enterprise named “Hayots Vahan 1”, did some activities via it, trying to reason his temporary presence in Armenia. “I may state that the grouping, according to uncovered data, started to formulate from May 2015. After appearing under the control of the National Security Service it was under control,” he said, adding that NSS acted in proper time and moment. The grouping was under the control of NSS from September-October.

Touching upon activities by Vahan Shirkhanyan, former Deputy Minister of Defence, arrested within the criminal case, Mikayel Hambardzumyan said, yet from May he had had contacts with heads of the grouping,

“To our assessment, program and purpose of the grouping was informed, after which he assumed a certain role to provide participation in its implementation and do some activities. Currently our issue is clarifying whether Shirkhanyan has implemented any activities or not. After that we’ll again touch upon assessment of Shirkhanyan’s activities.”

Mikayel Hambardzumyan touching upon information in the media on health of Vahan Shirkhanyan circulated by his son, stated that they are exaggerated and, basically, are far from reality. He said that after arresting Vahan Shirkhanyan, for the first time his advocates reported of his health problems, after which they informed the penitentiary on risen issues. Within its liabilities, the penitentiary immediately provided medical examination (duplex examination), invited a doctor, and prescribed medicament.

According to Mikayel Hambardzumyan, it didn’t satisfy the defence, they mediated to invite their preferred doctor, which has been satisfied as well, who offered to implement duplex examination for the second time, which has also been satisfied. Vahan Shirkhanyan has been transferred to medical center, as a result of medical intervention a few days later he was moved to penitentiary. Currently, investigation was appointed, all interested questions have been risen, and the defence was acquainted with the decision.

The defence mediated questions and proposed experts for clarification, which has also been satisfied. After the conclusion of the expertise is obtained, Vahan Shirkhanyan’s health state will be reflected.

To the question, following the sources of funding and weaponry purchase, what conclusion was drawn, and whether it was organized by internal or external sources, Mikayel Hambardzumyan replied that Artur Vardanyan has been in Lebanon, Syria, then arrived to Armenia, and since April 2015 he chased his purpose,

“We implement investigation upon directions linked to the outer side, ground for which, I guess, is available. I can’t exclude what you have mentioned. I consider, it’ll have its answer in the final stage of investigation.”

Touching upon the consequence of Artur Vardanya’s participation in liberalization of Kessab, Mikayel Hambardzumyan said that Artur Vardanyan has really been in Syria, participated in some activities, “I just want to say one thing, leaving assessments to you. Artur Vardanyan left for Spain from Lebanon 6 June 2015, and Kessab was liberated as a result of activities of June 14 and 15 in 2015.”

He stated that petition of mortgage has been submitted for Hovhannes Balabanyan and the two girls, on account of Hovhannes Balabanyan’s role in the grouping, and realizing logics of his actions, it’ll be satisfied, the same refers the two girls as well.

Mikayel Hambardzumyan stated that he can’t say when investigation will be completed, there is still much work to do, and there are questions which don’t have their answers yet.

By Ofelya Hovhannisyan