Iranian ambassador personally tried to resolve Tsarukyan's dispute with Iranian entrepreneurs
Iran's Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami stated that he tried to act as a mediator in the dispute between Prosperous Armenia party leader Gagik Tsarukyan and Iranian businessmen.
The diplomat announced this at a press conference, Sputnik Armenia reports.
Speaking about the dispute between Tsarukyan and Iranian entrepreneurs, the diplomat explained that it concerns the Armenian-Iranian trade center project, which was never implemented.
According to the ambassador, the Iranian diplomatic mission actively supported this project, expecting it to contribute to the development of bilateral trade and the expansion of Iranian products' presence on the Armenian market. However, during the project's implementation, economic disagreements arose between the parties.
"Since this threatened certain losses and further problems, we tried to do everything possible. I personally held meetings with the parties, seeking to mediate and find a compromise solution. Until recently, I remained in contact with them, trying to find an option that would suit both sides," Shirgolami stated.
According to him, the dispute is now in the legal sphere. The ambassador expressed hope that the situation can be resolved based on the evidence presented.
The investigation accuses Tsarukyan of organizing fraud and legalization (laundering) of funds on an especially large scale. In particular, according to the investigation, in 2022-2024, a criminal group operating under his leadership, under the pretext of developing trade and economic ties between Armenia and Iran, created joint companies, including the Armenian-Iranian chamber of commerce, with the participation of citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to the investigation, the fraudulent scheme caused damage to the state in the amount of more than $21 million.
In another episode, Tsarukyan is accused of organizing, together with another citizen, the fraudulent theft of another $934 thousand as part of a fuel supply deal with a citizen of Iran.
