Armenia's Former Economy Minister Placed Under House Arrest for Two Months

Vahan Kerobyan, the ex-Minister of Economy in Armenia, has been placed under house arrest for a period of two months by the Anti-Corruption Court of Armenia. This decision comes as a pretrial measure in connection to a criminal case involving the Synergy company.

Kerobyan, who expressed his intention to appeal the court's decision, spoke to reporters shortly after the verdict was issued. The charges against him stem from the misuse of official powers within a group for profit-related reasons, as outlined in the Criminal Code.

The case revolves around the Synergy company and its alleged involvement in a corruption scandal that unfolded on January 31. The initial wave of the scandal saw the removal of Ani Ispiryan from the position of Deputy Minister of Economy. Simultaneously, the National Security Service and the Investigative Committee of Armenia carried out searches at the Ministry of Economy and various residences, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals across more than 15 locations.

Kerobyan, during questioning related to the Synergy case, found himself charged with misusing official powers during a tender for the procurement of services for the Ministry of Economy. Despite his denial of any involvement in the corruption scandal during one of his last press briefings as the economy minister, the legal proceedings have taken a turn with his placement under house arrest.

The former minister maintains his innocence regarding the charges brought against him and has indicated his intention to challenge the court's decision through the appeal process. 

Kerobyan is expected to become a grandfather during his house arrest period. In December, Kerobyan announced that his 22-year-old daughter, Nane, and her husband are expecting their first child in four months.