Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan Detained by Special Forces Amid Bribery Scandal

Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan was detained by special forces amid a bribery scandal, highlighting ongoing corruption issues within Armenian local governance.

• On October 19, 2023, Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan was taken from the municipality building by special forces, according to reports from Armenian media.
• The Armenian Anti-Corruption Committee announced that eight individuals, including officials from the Gyumri Municipality, were arrested for involvement in bribery activities.
• The operation, which led to the arrest of the eight accused, underscores the Armenian governments commitment to tackling corruption at local levels.