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 According to him, the department will not tolerate mediocrity and outdated stereotypes, and anthropocentrism and humanistic values will be paramount.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).
