Victims of cybercrime demand resignation of Armenia`s IC chairman

ArmInfo.A group of citizens affected by cybercrime and financial fraud held a protest outside the Investigative Committee (IC) of Armenia, demanding the resignation of its head, Artur Poghosyan.

Protesters outside the building chanted slogans of "Shame!" Mher  Karagezyan, head of the non- governmental organization "Public  Control," told reporters that, according to their latest data, an  additional 30 million AMD has been stolen from citizens, following  previous losses of 670 million AMD Karagezyan criticized the  authorities for their lack of accountability. He stated that  officials often attempt to justify inaction by claiming that because  the perpetrators are located in Armenia and many of the victims are  foreign nationals, the primary concern lies with the international  victims. "If that is the case, why are these investigators even here?  They should resign. They simply lack the political will," Karagezyan  declared, adding that Chairman Artur Poghosyan should be directly  responsible for addressing these issues.

He clarified that that his organization had previously presented  seven different state agencies with international best practices for  handling such cases. They specifically proposed the creation of a  state fund to restore the rights of citizens affected by cybercrime.  "We have received no response," he said. "The state has no immunity  against cybercrime. Their inaction has essentially created an  environment where cybercrime in the country is thriving and even  encouraged, leaving the victim to be blamed for being attacked."

He further emphasized that there has not been a single documented  case where the rights of a victim of cyber fraud were restored, even  in instances where individuals were officially recognized as victims.

It should be noted that this protest follows a similar demonstration  held on July 1 in front of the Armenian Government building.  Participants in that action sought to draw the attention of law  enforcement to fraud allegedly committed by an investment  organization. They accused the state of negligence and expressed  concern that the proposed creation of a unified IMEI database for  mobile phones could become fertile ground for future cybercrimes.