Head of Yerevan Airport Customs Department arrested for smuggling diamonds

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS: The Head of the Passengers Customs Control of the Yerevan Zvartnots Airport Customs Arsen Papazyan and Yerevan dweller Ashot Gasparyan were arrested. As Armenpress was reported by the Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia, a criminal case was opened under the Article 215 of the Armenian Criminal Code concerning smuggling committed by an official through abuse of office, which envisions the maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment with confiscation of property.

According to the preliminary investigation, a large consignment of diamonds weighing 2,702.58 carats (over 0.5 kilograms), acquired in the United Arab Emirates in collusion with Papazyan was taken on March 1 through the customs border to Armenia by hiding from the customs control and non-declaration.

Preliminary investigation continues.