The Investigative Committee of Armenia has completed the preliminary investigation into the criminal case opened against former president Serzh Sargsyan regarding the sale of a historical and cultural monument.
Modern.az reports, citing Armenian media, that the matter concerns the "Black Fortress" (Sev Berd), a historical and cultural monument of republican significance located in the city of Gyumri.
According to the investigation, on May 11, 2005, Serzh Sargsyan, while serving as Minister of Defense, sold the fortress and the land allocated for its operation directly to an individual without a relevant government decision.
It is stated that the historical building with a total area of 626.45 square meters and 0.7 hectares of land were sold for approximately 22.95 million drams.
The investigation believes that as a result of this transaction, the state lost its ownership rights over a historical and cultural monument of republican significance.
Serzh Sargsyan has been charged with abuse of official powers leading to serious consequences due to negligence.
The criminal case, along with the indictment, has been sent to the Prosecutor's Office of Armenia for consideration.
