NSS: Former high-ranking serviceman arrested in treason case 

ArmInfo. The Investigation Department of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has completed the investigation of a criminal case on the fact of high  treason committed by a high-ranking serviceman.

According to the NSS, during the investigation, sufficient  information was obtained that a serviceman of the RA Armed Forces,  who previously held high-ranking positions, committed high treason to  the detriment of Armenia's territorial inviolability and external  security. He also formed an organized group and, without state  registration, accounting and special permits (licenses), was engaged  in entrepreneurial activities subject to licensing, illegally  acquired and stored cartridges, grenades, explosives. In particular,  together with a friend, he acquired and imported into the RA more  than 200 tank headset-helmets, which are a military product, which he  sold to a citizen of a foreign state and received proceeds in the  amount of 7,466,505 AMD, causing damage to the state on an especially  large scale. The accused also, during a period not established by the  investigation, illegally acquired, transported and, until June 3,  2020 inclusively, illegally kept in his mansion by his ownership of  more than 1000 live rounds intended for firing sniper rifles, machine  guns and other weapons and pistols, as well as fragmentation combat  grenade F-1.

It is noted that a high-ranking serviceman involved in the case, who  had access to secret documents and information, gave it to the  Azerbaijani special services for a fee.

Several years ago, while in Georgia, he came to the attention of the  Azerbaijani special services and was recruited by them. The accused  received specific assignments to obtain information about the  external security of Artsakh and Armenia, the Armed Forces, weapons,  to transmit information received within the framework of the service.

Having financial difficulties and intending to obtain material  benefits by committing treason, he accepted the offer of the  Azerbaijani special services. Then he collected and kept information  concerning military equipment, including tanks, objects of high  importance, personnel and reserves.

Moreover, using his connections in the Armed Forces of Armenia and  Artsakh, he periodically met with colleagues and showed interest in  the specific actions of their units, the activities of artillery.  Then he periodically met in Georgia with representatives of the  intelligence services of Azerbaijan, including meetings held on the  territory of the embassy of this country. In addition to meetings, he  telephoned information containing state or official secrets collected  and stored by him, and also carried out other assignments.

The former serviceman was charged, arrest was chosen as a measure of  restraint.