The ownership rights of the Gavar community in the Gegharkunik region have been restored over land plots of 35 ha, with a cadastral value approximating the market value of AMD 434,700,000, and 5.6 ha, with a cadastral value approximating the market value of AMD 69,727,000.

Within the framework of criminal proceedings investigated by the Investigative Committee, it was established that in 2011 the Head of the Gavar community, being aware that the LLC intended to use the land for industrial purposes, sold the 5.6 ha plot to the LLC for AMD 473,000 as arable land, without changing the designated use of the plot.

The investigation also revealed that a contract had been concluded between the same LLC and the Gavar Municipality, under which the LLC was granted temporary possession and use of a 35 ha land plot owned by the Gavar community, with a cadastral value of AMD 434,700,000. The land was leased for an annual fee of AMD 74,497.

The prosecutor initiated public criminal prosecution against former Gavar community Head G.M. under part 2 of Article 308 of the Criminal Code adopted on April 18, 2003 (abuse of official authority), and against ten members of the Council of Elders, the Municipality’s legal adviser, as well as the LLC’s Director and an employee of the company, under Article 38–308(2) (aiding and abetting abuse of official authority).

During the criminal proceedings, the 5.6 ha land plot was returned to the community, the community’s ownership right was registered over that plot, and the lease right established on the basis of the contract concerning the 35 ha plot was declared invalid. The land plot was returned to the Gavar community.

The damage caused to the community in the amount of AMD 3,964,000 was fully compensated by the defendants.

The prosecutor issued a decision to terminate the public criminal prosecution against the defendants due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.