SRC Chief Eduard Hakobyan denounces corruption and announces major  personnel shake-up

ArmInfo. Eduard Hakobyan, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia, has reaffirmed his "uncompromising" stance against corruption and the shadow economy, labeling them a "menace" that hinders national progress. According to the Committee's press service, during a  meeting with the leadership of tax and customs units on January 23, Hakobyan addressed the recent "increased scrutiny" and criticism  directed at the committee. He attributed this pressure to individuals and groups who seek to tarnish the SRC's record, particularly its  successes in the fight against corruption. 

"Corruption and the shadow economy are evil, and we are waging a  relentless fight against this evil," the chief tax official  emphasized  noting that by the end of 2025, the State Revenue  Committee emerged as one of the leading agencies in reform efforts.

He pointed to recent major crackdowns on smuggling and illicit  economic activities as the reason for pushback from groups acting in  "narrow personal interests." "No one can stop the sustainable reform  process, either within or outside the system," he assured,  emphasizing that the situation within the system is completely  manageable. According to him, the department will not tolerate  mediocrity and outdated stereotypes, and anthropocentrism and  humanistic values will be paramount.

The head of the State Revenue Committee announced large-scale  personnel changes expected in the near future. "Unfortunately,  employees who were given a chance but failed to prove themselves will  gradually be forced to leave us," Hakobyan warned.

Earlier, media outlets also reported that 400 iPhones were illegally  imported into Armenia from Dubai, with Garnik Margaryan, head of the  State Revenue Committee's Internal Security Department, overseeing  the process. Furthermore, it was reported that goods were unloaded  from a car with Iranian license plates at the checkpoint on the  Armenian-Iranian border, and that Hovhannes Amirkhanyan, head of the  Agarak checkpoint, and his deputy, Gevorg Tumanyan, stole tablets  worth approximately 70 million drams (approximately $185,000).  According to the Zhoghovurd newspaper, the State Revenue Committee  attempted to cover up the violation, as Amirkhanyan is a close friend  of Sargis Babayan, the cousin of Eduard Hakobyan, Head of the  committee (Babayan is the Head of Security Service).