BREAKING: Top detective in Amulsar case under internal investigation

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Chief investigator of the criminal investigation into the Amulsar gold mine project Yura Ivanyan is under internal investigation, Investigative Committee spokesperson Naira Harutyunyan told ARMENPRESS.

She said the investigation will determine the accuracy of an information alleging Ivanyan’s partiality in the case.

Yura Ivanyan is the Head of the Department for Investigation of Corruption-related Property Crimes and Cybercrimes at the Investigative Committee.

Earlier Ivanyan had said that there are no grounds to continue the criminal investigation into the Amulsar project. The announcement was made after an international audit company – ELARD- published its Environmental Impact Assessment conclusion about the Amulsar project’s risks.

On August 19th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Government intends to allow Lydian International to continue the Amulsar project. The decision was based on the conclusion of an environmental audit conducted by ELARD. Pashinyan emphasized that the project will be operated strictly in adherence to high environmental standards.

But on August 21 the PM requested the Ministry of Environment to study the conclusion and determine whether or not another Environmental Impact Assessment is required before a final decision is made.

The Ministry is expected to announce its decision by September 4.

The Amulsar Project is a gold mining project by Lydian Armenia, the Armenian subsidiary of Lydian International. The criminal investigation into the project was launched on alleged misconduct committed by government officials during the time when Lydian Armenia was granted permission to operate the mine.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan