# Corruption investigations in Armenia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-armenia > Updated: 2026-08-31T15:52:45.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Armenia continues several high-level investigations into corruption and financial misconduct. The Corruption Prevention Commission recently rejected a request to initiate proceedings against Arsen Torosyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. The petition, filed by Seymon Babayan, alleged a conflict of interest regarding a state contract worth 337 million drams awarded to the ‘MIBS’ medical center, in which the minister’s wife, Vardanushev Tevanian, holds a 10 percent stake. In reviewing the matter, the commission noted Torosyan’s previous roles in the Ministry of Health and his subsequent political career. In a separate criminal investigation, Gagik Khachatryan, the former chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee, has been arrested and placed in custody for two months by the Anti-Corruption Court. The arrest follows an investigation into allegations of receiving particularly large-scale bribes and money laundering. Investigators have conducted searches at the homes of Khachatryan and his son, as well as at the offices of approximately 21 interconnected companies. Prosecutors allege that assets obtained through criminal means were laundered to appear legal. Authorities are seeking to seize significant assets, including 210 real estate units, 14 vehicles, stakes in 33 organizations, and over 40 billion drams. This recovery effort includes a property in Los Angeles, California, for which a seizure agreement was reached with the U.S. Department of Justice. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously expressed frustration regarding perceived delays in the judicial process involving Khachatryan. ## Claims - Official government decisions were signed to rename the Ministry of High-Tech Industry to include Artificial Intelligence. (disputed) - Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan signed decisions to rename the Ministry of High-Tech Industry to include Artificial Intelligence. (disputed) - Nikol Pashinyan clarified that Armenia has not officially notified partners of its intention to leave the Eurasian Economic Union. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vladimir Putin stated that Russia respects any choice made by the Armenian people regarding their future path. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia is interested in deepening its relations with Russia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Armenia passed a law to initiate the process of joining the European Union. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin held a meeting in Bishkek. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Dmitry Peskov stated that Armenians should decide their own fate via a referendum regarding EU membership. (single source) - Nikol Pashinyan may face an ultimatum to either publicly renounce EU membership goals or announce plans for a referendum. (single source) - Russia may deport approximately 170,000 Armenian citizens living and working in Russia as a first phase of retaliation. (single source) - Russia may impose bans on all transport, including air communications, and financial transfers from Russia to Armenia. (single source) - Russia may increase the price of energy resources, specifically gas, as a subsequent phase of retaliation. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Pashinyan and Putin meet in Bishkek to discuss Armenia's EU aspirations Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Bishkek to discuss Armenia's EU aspirations and economic ties, with Putin stating Russia respects Armenia's sovereign choices. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gagik-khachatryan-faces-arrest-warrant-in-corruption-probe ### 2026-08-31: Armenia rejects corruption probe into Minister Torosyan Armenia’s Corruption Prevention Commission rejected a conflict of interest probe into Minister Arsen Torosyan, while Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan called for renewed mutual respect in Armenia-Russia ties. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armenia-reports-decrease-in-emergencies-during-first-half-of-2026 --- Cite as: Corruption investigations in Armenia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/corruption-investigations-in-armenia