As a result of complex operative-search measures and investigative actions carried out by the employees of the Department of Economic Security and Countering Corruption and the Investigation Department of the RA National Security Service, a case of storage and sale of counterfeit money in especially large amounts committed by a group of persons, by prior agreement, was detected.

As a result of urgent investigative actions carried out, it was established that brothers G.A. and Gh.A. and their relative H.I., under still unclear circumstances, for the purpose of sale, acquired and stored an especially large amount-10.050 USD, equivalent to 5.250.000 AMD, consisting of 201 counterfeit banknotes with a par value of 50 US dollars.

Then, having preliminary assigned roles among themselves, according to the agreement reached among themselves, through disguised telephone conversations, as well as during meetings, from the indicated counterfeit money 9.050 US dollars, consisting of 181 banknotes with par value of 50 US dollars, on 10 May, 2021 through Gh.A. sold at an ATM of one of the commercial banks, converting it into an equivalent amount in Armenian drams, and 1.000 US dollars, equivalent to 522.000 AMD, consisting of 20 banknotes with a par value of 50 US dollars, handed over to L.K. through G.A. in Yerevan city during May 2021 as a result of such actions undermined the normal functioning of the RA financial system.

On suspicion of storing and selling counterfeit money, G.A., Gh.A. and H.I. were brought in to the Investigation Department of the RA NSS, where, within the framework of the criminal case under investigation, on the basis of a direct suspicion of committing a crime, they were detained. The motions filed with the Court for the arrest of two of them were satisfied.

As material evidence 181 counterfeit banknotes with a par value of 50 US dollars were found and sent for examination, the necessary procedural and operative-search measures are being taken in the direction of establishing all the circumstances of the case, as well as to identify the full circle of persons involved in the criminal scheme for illegal circulation of counterfeit money.

Note: The suspect or accused of an alleged crime is considered innocent as long as his guilt is not proven in a manner prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure of RA - by the court decision entered into legal force.