Inspectors of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body (EPMIB) identified violations at a fish farm owned by MIAVAR LLC, located within the administrative boundaries of Gandzak settlement in Gegharkunik Province.

The company had been extracting groundwater from two deep wells for fish farming purposes without a valid water use permit, resulting in the illegal abstraction of 1,369,681 cubic metres of groundwater.

The calculated damage caused to water resources amounts to AMD 12,327,129.

By decision of the Head of the Gegharkunik Territorial Division of the Inspection Body, the operation of both deep wells was suspended.

In view of the facts established and the apparent indications of a criminal offence, the Inspection Body submitted a report on the alleged criminal act to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia for further examination.