Detection of corruption crimes is also an important component of the fight against corruption. This is enshrined in the Anti-Corruption Strategy as well.
“In this regard, from the point of view of the effectiveness of detection, it is important, first of all, to clarify the types of corruption crimes and to define their scope by law. Therefore, an amendment will be made to the RA Criminal Code, envisaging the indicative list of corruption crimes. In particular, the list of corruption crimes approved by the Prosecutor General includes a fairly wide range of crimes. Meanwhile, from the point of view of the specialization of the relevant law enforcement bodies, as well as the development of statistics, it is more expedient to limit the list to crimes of a purely corrupt nature, based on the list of crimes proposed by the OECD in the 4th Round of Armenia’s assessment report.
From the point of view of detecting corruption cases and preventing corruption risks in the private sector, the provision of criminal liability of legal entities and the definition of its implementation structures are especially important. In this regard, changes will be made in the RA Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, envisaging appropriate structures.
At the same time, ensuring the effectiveness of the investigation of corruption crimes is envisaged through the development and adoption of methodologies for the investigation of corruption cases, and, accordingly, the increase of the specialization of criminal prosecution bodies.
One of the priorities of the strategy will be the establishment and implementation of effective structures for the confiscation of property of illicit origin, ensuring their compliance with international standards. In this regard, the introduction of the institution of confiscation of property without a conviction is important. Relevant legislation will be developed for the above-mentioned; steps will be taken to introduce an institutional system, and international cooperation will be strengthened. It is planned to return the assets using the in rem principle,” the strategy states.
It should be added that on 23 May, 2020, the Law on Confiscation of Property of Illegal Origin entered into force.