Armenia`s Investigative Committee to launch probe into child  molestation case in Vedi

ArmInfo. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has launched an investigation into the molestation of underage girls from the Vedi community.

Today, Kima Avdalyan, the Investigative Committee spokesperson,  released a statement confirming that investigative authorities are  currently carrying out the necessary procedural and evidentiary  actions.  The investigation revealed that on February 12, 2026, the  father of the minor sisters filed a report with the Vedi Police  Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He alleged that on  February 8, an individual identified as V.E. took advantage of his  daughter's helpless state (as she suffers from a mental disability)  to commit lewd acts. During the preliminary investigation of the  criminal case, the victim testified that V.E. is a benefactor of  their family and denied that any sexual intercourse had occurred.  Furthermore, she refused to undergo an additional forensic medical  examination.

Subsequently, on April 22, 2026, the victim's sister, who is also a  minor, filed a report with the Vedi Police Department. She stated  that in April, an unknown man named Artur approached her and  persuaded her to get into his car under the pretext of driving her to  school. Instead, he reportedly took her to a building near the city  church and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. According to  information obtained during the preliminary investigation, this  victim also requires special educational conditions and  psycho-pedagogical services due to mental health issues.

Avdalyan noted that the victim provided contradictory testimony  during the preliminary investigation; in one instance, she completely  denied having sexual relations with anyone, including the individual  named Artur.

"Taking the aforementioned circumstances into account, a  comprehensive forensic psychiatric evaluation has been ordered for  the minor victim. Additionally, individuals identified by the minors,  as well as family members and educators, have been interviewed.  Instructions have been issued to the investigative body to conduct  relevant operational-search activities. The Investigative Committee  urges the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information  or any details on the internet that could identify the minors," the  statement reads.

It should be noted that journalist Syuzi Badoyan first alerted the  public to this egregious case in Vedi.  According to her, two male  residents of Vedi 58-year-old Artur Yeremyan and 65-year-old David  Aynazyan are accused of committing sexual violence against the  children. The accused currently remain at large.