The 1998 murder of former Armenian Deputy Minister of Defense Vahrám Khorkhoruni has been solved, the Investigative Committee announced.
The investigation revealed that on December 10, 1998, S.A., H.N., and A.A. killed Khorkhoruni out of financial motives. S.A., who was serving in the military at the time, orchestrated the murder, enlisted the others, and also illegally obtained and possessed firearms.
Specifically, S.A. plotted the killing for financial gain and arranged with H.N. and A.A., residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, to carry it out, offering them $10,000 and $15,000 respectively. He acquired a modified Makarov pistol from A.N., H.N.’s brother, including a homemade barrel and suppressor. S.A. tested the weapon outside the city and, dissatisfied with the suppressor’s effectiveness, reduced the gunpowder charge in the bullets with A.N.’s help, leaving technical marks on the cartridges.
On December 7, H.N. and A.A. arrived in Yerevan; S.A. joined them on December 8, bringing the firearm. S.A. fully planned the operation, pointing out Khorkhoruni’s residence to his accomplices. On the night of December 9, the group met in Republic Square and drove to the target’s residence.
According to the plan, H.N. remained in the car while S.A. and A.A. waited at the building entrance. At around 12:30 a.m. on December 10, as Khorkhoruni entered his building, S.A. and A.A. ambushed and shot him five times using the modified pistol—three bullets struck his face and two hit his left upper back and chest, killing him on the spot. The group then fled.
Based on substantial evidence, S.A. has been criminally charged under Article 155, Part 2, Clause 10 (murder with financial motive) and Article 335, Part 1 (illegal possession of firearms). He has been arrested.
The Investigative Committee will issue further statements as the case progresses. Other previously high-profile murder cases are also under review, the committee added.
Note: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
