Large-scale illegal cigarette importation case revealed in Meghri: Servicemen among suspects
The Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) informs that the preliminary investigation has uncovered a criminal scheme for illegally importing large quantities of cigarettes from Iran to Armenia. The scheme involved the commander of the N military unit of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), several servicemen from the same unit, and a resident of Meghri.
According to established data, the resident of Meghri community, with the assistance of MoD officials, transported over 2.6 million cigarette sticks of various brands without excise stamps from Iran to Armenia, resulting in a total tax liability exceeding 74 million drams.
The preliminary investigation found that the MoD officials misused their official and governmental powers to the detriment of state interests. They instructed the servicemen at the combat outpost under their command not to obstruct the transportation of the illegal cargo. Furthermore, they provided a “Kamaz” brand truck, which was on the military unit’s balance sheet, to bring the cigarettes across the border.
The illegal cargo was transported through the territory of the combat outpost. On May 31, 2025, the vehicle was discovered and stopped in Agarak by employees of the National Security Service (NSS).
The actively involved individuals were arrested.
The commander of the military unit and another serviceman have been charged with abuse of power and aiding in the evasion of particularly large amounts of taxes. Charges have also been filed against the resident of Meghri and five other MoD servicemen.
Detention was used as a measure of restraint against the military unit commander, and house arrest was applied against the other official.
The preliminary investigation concerning the eight defendants has been completed, and the case, with an indictment, has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Court of the Republic of Armenia (RA).