“Justice is often identified with the responsibility of the guilty person, but justice is not limited to this. Justice is complete when the crime is revealed, the responsibility of the guilty person is ensured, the illegally acquired property is returned, the rights of the victim are protected and it is visible to society that the violated balance of justice has been restored. The return of illegally acquired property is not just an economic or financial process, it is a process of restoration of justice. Each returned asset is a fair blow to the profitability of crime. Each discovered and confiscated illegal property sends an important message to the public: the state is consistent in protecting state interests,” said Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan, during a high-level international conference launched in Yerevan on July 1, 2026, within the framework of the Armenian Platform for the European Prosecutors’ Dialogue, on the occasion of the Day of the Prosecutor’s Employee and the 108th anniversary of the foundation of the Prosecutor’s Office.

Anna Vardapetyan particularly noted:

“In the modern world, the strength of a state is assessed both by its economic and military potential, and by the trust of citizens toward the justice system.

This trust forms the authority of the law, creates a connection between the state and society based on responsibility, security and legal predictability. The formation of trust is the result of the daily caring, consistent and professional work of an operative, police officer, investigator, prosecutor and judge.

Technological developments, the rapid expansion of the digital economy, the application of artificial intelligence, the growing circulation of crypto-assets and the interconnectedness of international financial systems have created new opportunities for both creative and criminal behavior.

Financial crimes do not recognize national borders. Illegally acquired assets can “travel” through territories of different states and jurisdictions in minutes before being laundered and legalized, and criminal schemes can operate simultaneously on several continents, using the most modern technologies.

In these conditions, any state no matter how developed are its institutions and infrastructure, it can effectively counter criminal schemes alone. Therefore, the effectiveness of justice is conditioned by the depth of cooperation between countries that share the same values. Including cooperation between law enforcement and judicial systems and mutual trust, which is a prerequisite for starting a dialogue.

The term “dialogue” was first used by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Of course, the founder of the dialectical method is Plato’s teacher Socrates, who transmitted his knowledge and skills to humanity through conversations and did not personally write anything down.

The dialogue was fixed in writings by Plato and used to create works that are still being read and analyzed today, for example, “Apology”, “Euphrates”, “Crito”, “Republic” and others. It is thanks to this format that Plato’s works have not become dry and lifeless collections of dogmas, but rather invite each participant in the dialogue to a lively conversation that forms their own thinking.

My brief reflection on the origin of the term “dialogue” aims to convey to you the content and philosophy of the Armenian Platform for the European Prosecutors’ Dialogue, created by the joint efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Armenia and the Council of Europe has been launched today.

This invitation to a lively conversation, a dialogue, was born from the conviction that a modern prosecutor cannot be limited only to the experience of his national legal system. He is to constantly communicate with the best international practices, be able to combine the approaches of different legal cultures and form cooperation based on mutual trust with his colleagues.

Armenia has become one of the centers of professional dialogue for European prosecutorial community for the fourth year in a row, and this is the first year that the prosecutorial community has carried out its professional dialogue within the framework of the Armenian Platform for European Prosecutors’ Dialogue.

This platform is intended to form new professional ties, exchange best practices, discuss challenges and strengthen mutual trust.

I am grateful that the Prosecutors General of the Council of Europe member states, high-ranking prosecutors, representatives of international organizations, famous experts and partners in the field of justice have accepted our invitation.

This year the title of the conference is “Following the illicit money: prosecution, recovery, management and enhancing victim-centered responses in criminal justice”.

Dear guests,

Adequate responses to the challenges, both legal instruments and common values, common responsibility and a common vision are necessary.

I would like to thank the Council of Europe and the European Union for standing by the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Armenia for many years, supporting our institutional development and jointly making our most ambitious initiatives reality. This partnership contributes to the development of the professional capabilities of prosecutors, the introduction of European best practices in our daily work and, as a result, the strengthening of the rule of law.

I would like to thank all the prosecutors and employees of the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Armenia for their responsible, professional, dedicated and merciful work.

The year 2026 has special meaning for the 108-year-old Prosecutor's Office; it is a year of institutional memory and appreciation of historical heritage.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the former Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia Artavazd Gevorgyan, whose activities left an important mark on the pages of the history of the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia. We attach importance to the recognition of young lawyers by those whose professionalism and pro-state activities have contributed to the development of the institution of the Prosecutor General's Office.

In order to promote this recognition, this year we plan to organize a moot court on the topic of protecting state interests with the participation of students of Armenian universities within the framework of the YSU Law Laboratory operating at the Prosecutor's Office.

Highlighting the merits of Artavazd Gevorgyan and aiming to preserve institutional memory, we have issued a commemorative souvenir, which will complement the series of ceremonial souvenirs presented by the Prosecutor's Office to state bodies.

2026 is also a commemorative year for the symbol of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Armenia - the administrative building. The building at 5 Vazgen Sargsyan, designed by architect Nikolay Baev 90 years ago, is not only an administrative structure, but also a valuable example of Yerevan’s architectural heritage. It is included in the state list of immovable monuments of history and culture of Yerevan as part of the historical and cultural memory of the capital and a symbol of the continuity of state institutions.

Once again, emphasizing the importance of the anniversary and aiming to preserve institutional memory, we have issued an anniversary souvenir, which will also complement the series of ceremonial souvenirs presented by the Prosecutor’s Office to state bodies.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

We will continue to develop the capabilities of prosecutors based on professionalism, good conduct, innovative bold solutions, and trust-based partnerships, including international cooperation.

We are confident that the discussions within the framework of the Armenian Platform of the European Prosecutors' Dialogue will set a new benchmark in the development of legal thought and culture and will become a forge of new ideas, new and bold initiatives, and a new format of cooperation."