Former Ambassador Armen Smbatyan and his son Sergey Smbatyan arrested for a fraud case. Get more insights about the case from this article.
Sergey Smbatyan is the Principal Conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Artistic Director of the Khachaturian International Competition.
Likewise, he is also the Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
2015 saw Smbatyan become the youngest recipient of the French Minister of Culture and Communication’s honorary title, Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Smbatyan was appointed Honoured Artist of the Republic of Armenia by the President of the Republic of Armenia in 2016 to appreciate his significant role in founding the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and his efforts in promoting Armenian music and culture.
Maestro Smbatyan has a distinguished international career in addition to his conducting work in Armenia and Malta.
He has performed as a guest conductor with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition, he has also performed with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic, Sinfonia Varsovia, and many other orchestras.
Smbatyan has promoted Armenian cultural heritage and modern music through festivals like the Khachaturian International Festival and the “Armenia” International Music Festival with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
Sergey Smbatyan Arrested For Fraud Case
In a stunning turn of events, Sergey Smbatyan, the chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, and his father have been apprehended and charged with engaging in a large-scale fraud scheme.
According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, Smbatyan’s actions allegedly resulted in a staggering loss of one billion drams for the state.
The loss came with the theft of a 300-square-meter plot belonging to the Yerevan Tchaikovsky Music School.
The case revolves around the “Sochocenter” company, which had proposed the construction of a multi-functional complex called “Book World” in honor of the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing and Yerevan’s designation as the world book capital in 2012.
Sergey Smbatyan has been arrested, alongside his father Armen, for fraud in Armenia. (Source: Newsbook)
The company also offered to finance building of a new boiler house and concert hall for the Tchaikovsky School.
However, instead of fulfilling the proposed project, the company embarked on constructing a 17-story business center in the central area worth approximately 170 million dollars.
The construction of the building was granted to them by the government in 2012. This alleged deviation from the proposed project prompted law enforcement to view the investment as fraudulent, accusing the Smbatyan family of looting the territory.
The investigation into this complex case has been ongoing for several years, culminating in the recent arrests and charges against Sergey and Armen Smbatyan.
The shocking allegations have reverberated through the Armenian arts and diplomatic communities, leaving many astonished by the allegations against the prominent figures.
Trending Around The World: Reza Tsaghati Leaked Video And Tape: Scandal And Controversy
Meet Sergey Smbatyan Father, Armen Smbatyan
Armen Smbatyan is the father of Sergey Smbatyan. He was the former ambassador of Armenia to Israel.
Armen has found himself entangled in a legal controversy, as he and his son Sergey have been arrested and accused of engaging in a particularly large-scale fraud.
The former ambassador reportedly convinced a relative, Avag Smbatyan, to establish the “Sochocenter” company on behalf of Sergey Smbatyan, intending to keep his son’s name detached from the business activities.
The former ambassador of Armenia, Armen Smbatyan (L), is the father of Sergey Smbatyan (R). (Source: MassisPost)
Another co-founder of the company is a former Minister of Culture, Hasmik Poghosyan, who is currently under investigation.
In light of these allegations, both the Smbatyan family and Hasmik Poghosyan are now facing legal scrutiny while authorities continue their efforts to locate co-founder Arman Petrosyan.
The arrest of Armen and his son has sent shockwaves through Armenia’s diplomatic and artistic communities, leaving many stunned by the allegations and eagerly awaiting further developments in this complex case.
You may also like to read: Heidi Wing Accident Update: Surgery And Health 2023
