Epress.am News from Armenia
Russia’s Criminal Investigation Department has launched a criminal case against State Duma deputy Ashot Yeghiazaryan, who is suspected of committing a crime under Article 159 Section 4 of Russia’s Criminal Code (massive fraud), report various Russian media.
According to the investigation, in 2002 and 2003, Yeghiazaryan invited his close friend Mikhail Ananyev to take part in financing the the construction of a Moscow shopping complex Rublyovskoye Highway in Moscow and the renovation of Moscow Hotel on the condition that he would later receive shares in both projects.
According to information from investigative bodies, Yeghiazaryan didn’t fulfill his end of the deal and used at his discretion the over half a billion Russian Rubles (over $16.2 million USD) he received from Ananyev.
Other details uncovered during the investigation include Yeghiazaryan’s fraudulent acquisition of 20% of the shares of a retail and entertainment complex belonging to Vitaly Smagin, worth 1.5 billion Russian Rubles (about $48.7 million US).
The investigation is ongoing.
Recall that on Nov. 3, the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, stripped Liberal Democratic Party MP Yeghiazaryan of his immunity. In the Duma 352 members voted for the decision, 39 voted against and five abstained.