Armen Smbatyan, a former ambassador, and Sergey Smbatyan, his son, were detained in a fraud case. This article offers additional insight into the case.
Sergey Smbatyan is the Principal Conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Artistic Director of the International Khachaturian Competition.
In addition, he is the founding artistic director and chief conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
In 2015, Smbatyan became the youngest recipient of the honorary title Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Minister of Culture and Communication.
Also, In 2016, the President of the Republic of Armenia awarded Smbatyan the title of Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia in recognition of his significant role in establishing the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and his efforts to promote Armenian music and culture.
In addition to his work as a conductor in Armenia and Malta, Maestro Smbatyan has a notable international career.
He has led the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest conductor.
Moreover, he has performed with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic, the Sinfonia Varsovia, and numerous other orchestras.
Through festivals such as the Khachaturian International Festival and the “Armenia” International Music Festival, Smbatyan has promoted Armenian cultural heritage and contemporary music with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
Sergey Smbatyan Arrested In Fraud Investigation
Page Contents
Sergey Smbatyan, the principal conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, and his father have been arrested and charged with participating in a massive fraud conspiracy.
According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, Smbatyan allegedly caused the state to lose a staggering one billion drams.
The seizure of a 300-square-meter plot from the Yerevan Tchaikovsky Music School caused the loss.
The case involves the “Sochocenter” company, which proposed the construction of a multifunctional complex named “Book World” to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Armenian publishing and Yerevan’s designation as the world book capital in 2012.
Additionally, the corporation offered to finance the construction of a new heating house and concert hall for the Tchaikovsky School.
However, instead of completing the proposed project, the corporation began construction on a 17-story, 170-million-dollar business center in the central area.
The government awarded them funding for the construction of the building in 2012. This alleged deviation from the planned project led law enforcement to view the investment as fraudulent and accuse the Smbatyan family of plundering the land.
Sergey and Armen Smbatyan were recently arrested and charged in connection with a multi-year investigation into this complex case that culminated in their arrests.
The startling allegations have reverberated throughout the Armenian arts and diplomatic communities, leaving many astounded by the allegations made against prominent figures.
Father of Sergey Smbatyan, Armen Smbatyan
Armen Smbatyan is Sergey Smbatyan’s father. He was the former Armenian ambassador to Israel.
Armen is embroiled in a legal dispute, as he and his son Sergey have been detained and accused of engaging in a particularly massive fraud scheme.
According to reports, the former ambassador persuaded a relative, Avag Smbatyan, to establish the “Sochocenter” company on behalf of his son, Sergey Smbatyan, in order to keep his son’s name out of the business dealings.
Hasmik Poghosyan, a former minister of culture and co-founder of the corporation, is currently under investigation.
As a result of these allegations, both the Smbatyan family and Hasmik Poghosyan are now under legal investigation, while authorities continue their search for co-founder Arman Petrosyan.
Armen and his son’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Armenia’s diplomatic and artistic communities, leaving many stunned and anxiously anticipating further developments in this complex case.
Also Read: All About Parker Posey’s Dating History, Current Boyfriend & More
