Within the framework of criminal proceedings under investigation by the Investigative Department Ararat Region of the Investigative Committee, it was established that Kh.M., who holds the position of Administrative Head of Sipanik Settlement of Masis Community, used groundwater resources without a water-use permit in Sipanik Settlement of Masis Community during the period from 1 August 2022 to 30 September 2023, and subsequently from 23 May 2026 to 22 October 2026, thereby causing property damage to the State in the especially large amount of AMD 17,947,008.

By the prosecutor’s decision of 22 October 2026, public criminal prosecution was initiated against Kh.M. under part 1 of Article 375.1 of the Criminal Code. The Administrative Head of Sipanik Settlement partially compensated the damage caused, in the amount of AMD 8 million.

Within the framework of supervising the legality of the criminal proceedings, the prosecutor established that Administrative Head Kh.M., on a land plot designated for agricultural purposes leased by him on 13 August 2007, located in Sipanik Settlement of Masis Community, had, in violation of the conditions stipulated by the lease agreement concluded with the Head of the Community, arbitrarily constructed stone water reservoirs, thereby engaging in entrepreneurial activity.

The prosecutor submitted motions to the Head of Masis Community regarding taking measures to terminate the lease agreement for the land plot, as well as the employment contract concluded with Kh.M., Administrative Head of Sipanik Settlement.

The preliminary investigation in the criminal proceedings is ongoing.