NSS busts ex-Yerevan mayor Beglaryan / Money laundering / Property theft

NSS report says: in 2009, Yerevan mayor Beglaryan colluded with Center District officials to embezzle property.
They organized an illegal scheme to donate 4 properties worth $488k, located on "expensive" streets, to an accomplice, who then sold them to Beglaryan's family for pennies.
The properties, in reality, belonged to Beglaryan. He used others to launder and conceal the theft. A felony case is launched.
https://factor.am/277085.html
 
other criminal cases involving Beglaryan
On March/24/2020 we learned that HHK Gagik Beglaryan, a former Transport Minister and Yerevan mayor, was placed on the wanted list and an arrest warrant in-absentia was issued.
At the time, he was charged with embezzling $483k worth property at the expense of a kindergarten. The investigation began after new mayor Hayk Marutyan busted 27 instances of kindergarten embezzlement by the former regime.
 
In another instance, Beglaryan's brother - a public official in charge of Sports Teams Center - gave property to his wife under suspicious circumstances.
His house was also raided as part of a fraud investigation involving North-South highway construction.
https://factor.am/277085.html
https://armtimes.com/hy/article/181189
https://www.reddit.com/armenia/comments/foa22n/mar242020_whats_happening_in_armenia_papers/

Pashinyan's Kotayk trip / Roads and kindergartens / Magic wand / Արամուսի լավ գյազար կիլոն 2,000

Pashinyan: The first kindergarten in 40 years is being built in Aramus village.
Official: // After 2018, they began enforcing tax laws and restaurants began paying taxis. That money is what's paying for this kindergarten. (magic wand)
With population 4,000, Aramus will have a new gas network on several streets. By the end of 2020, the entire village will have gas. \\
 
Lots of lands are still left unused, however. The village is popular with carrot production. There is even a popular song dedicated to Aramus's carrot.
Locals asked Pashinyan to rebuild the road connecting to the neighboring village. "It hasn't been renovated since 1965."
 
PM visited a new greenhouse business. The CEO said they need qualified experts who could earn high salaries. "You don't have to become a lawyer or economist to make a good living. Climate engineers, agricultural and vegetation experts are a hot commodity."
"You have to learn English/Russian even if you do agriculture, though. You'll make a good living if you're a good expert in your field."
https://youtu.be/mAGN1BP5XAE
https://factor.am/277134.html
https://youtu.be/2Ad3W_IPmyw?t=83
https://factor.am/277159.html
https://factor.am/277168.html

Court finds two policemen guilty of embezzlement

On Oct-2018, two cops and their secretary in Ararat were charged with stealing $57k worth funds from their colleagues' salary bonus budget, plus some tax evasion.
Today the court made a guilty verdict.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1025289.html

Policeman rejects a bribe and busts a driver's license buying attempt

The report says: a few months ago, an 18yo man failed his behind the wheel test. He scheduled the second exam but failed again, so he used his friend's help to bribe the policeman in charge of licensing.
The policeman refused the bribe and pressed 3 counts of felony bribery charges. The suspects are told not to leave the country.
https://factor.am/277219.html

Massive property corruption ring is busted / ex-Minister

The report says: several officials stole $2.8m between 2008-2014.
A company wanted to buy a property belonging to Urban Development Ministry. The Minister and other officials organized an illegal process to sell the property for half the price, causing $1.3m in damages.
Similar property transactions were made for the Minister's family members.
The SIS has launched a felony investigation. https://factor.am/277243.html

Tushonka's assets will remain frozen

The court denied a petition by disgraced general Manvel Grigoryan to remove the arrest on his assets. He was charged with various financial crimes.
http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/284156/

BHK chief Tsarukyan's casino hasn't paid the fees

Shangri La casino, the largest in Armenia, didn't pay the licensing fees for 3 months, totaling $2.8m, citing COVID-related issues. The IRS wants the money.
When asked about why they renewed their license despite knowing they wouldn't have clients, the casino said "we wanted to remain open and continue to pay employee salaries."
The IRS had earlier invited them to discuss the issue but they didn't show up. They claimed that not enough time was given for preparations.
https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2020/08/17/ՊԵԿ-ը-1-4-միլիարդ-դրամ-է-պահանջում-Գագիկ-Ծառուկյանի-ընտանիքին-պատկանող-«Օնիրա-քլաբից»/295749

Amulsar & Lydian / Laboratory resumes

Lydian miner: // we're reopening the analytical chemistry lab in Gorayq village which was operating since 2007. It was earlier shut down after illegal activities by environmental activists.
Local youth will be able to learn and work with science.
Armenia will have its first-ever "internationally certified technology of passive treatment for acid rock drainage." (Google Translate) \\
 
Activists gathered in the gated park in front of Parliament building to show support for Amulsar's preservation. The police notified them and the journalists that this area requires a permit for such "protests", and asked them to return after getting one.
Activists from Jermuk will soon hold a car rally to Yerevan.
https://factor.am/277171.html , https://youtu.be/oN7Wi2XJZC4?t=2121 , https://youtu.be/N0uYHWjfSlA

Հերթը հասավ Սոթքին

A group of 200 Geghamasar residents shut down a highway to protest the activities of nearby Sotq mine. They complain that the recent explosions created a cloud of toxic dust.
The mine's representatives agreed to meet the protesters. The highway was opened.
https://factor.am/277132.html , https://factor.am/277206.html

Civil society groups discuss election reforms / Ineligible voters inflating electoral numbers

NGOs held a meeting:
The govt has SECT system that contains information about whether the person is located in Armenia. Since SECT was implemented in certain checkpoints with delays, it doesn't have accurate info about people who left/entered.
Another problem for SECT is caused when the person changes their last name abroad, for example after marriage.
If "Sasun" moves to Russia and writes his name as "Sergey", it'll case a problem.
 
One way to fix the problem with ineligible voters being on voter lists, as it's done in Georgia, is to require a valid ID to keep the person on the list.
These days, expired passports are not accepted for any transaction except for voting. This exception should be removed.
 
This will remove 188,000 people from voter lists.
Inflated numbers cause various problems. It makes it harder to gather enough % votes to add an issue to a ballot.
 
We also need to make sure people are registered to vote in districts where they actually live. This is especially important for provincial elections because local officials have a record of collecting residents from elsewhere to vote in another location.
 
Many people don't want to register their real address as their voting address because they want to hide the fact that they own the new address they live in (tax purposes?).
We must make it clear to the public that these electoral changes have no legal effect on their property ownership issues.
 
Full 2.5 hour video: https://factor.am/277091.html
https://youtu.be/B0ywmPt0ArM
Tags: ##ElectoralReform #Elections #VoterList

Tavush village Aygepar...

.... is being rebuilt after being bombed by Azerbaijan during Tavush Battles. New roofs were installed on several houses.
Photos: https://factor.am/277077.html

Bordering villages to have Smart Barns

Moo. Thirty-four high-tech barns will be built in Gegharquniq's and Vayots Dzor's bordering regions, co-funded by Economy Ministry and the UN.
Up to 70% of the barn's cost can be subsidized. Must have a valid passport and a two-week veterinary training.
http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/284154/

ex-Defense Minister becomes Pashinyan's chief adviser

Vagharshak Harutyunyan was a Lt. General. He was critical of the Kocharyan administration and allegedly played a role against Kocharyan's plans to give a "corridor" to Azerbaijan in Armenia's southern Meghri province.
He was fired by Kocharyan and had his military rank stripped in 2002. He described it as "political persecution".
In 2019, Pashinyan restored his military rank after finding Kocharyan's decision illegal.
Today he was appointed as Pashinyan's adviser.
https://factor.am/277300.html
https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30126601.html
https://www.azatutyun.am/a/1569941.html

After Pashinyan gets grilled by BBC's HARDTalk, Ilham Aliyev next?

HARDTalk invited Pashinyan for confrontational-style Q&A. The show also invited Ilham Aliyev. Will he accept the challenge, too?
An expert is skeptical that Aliyev himself will agree. "The former MFA Mammedyarov was experienced and might have agreed, but the new MFA isn't. They won't risk it."
https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2020/08/18/Ilham-Aliyev-will-not-risk-to-participate-in-BBC%E2%80%99s-HARDtalk-Elibekova/2345519

COVID stats

+145 infected. +8 deaths. 186,661 tested. 5,787 active. 300 serious/critical.
https://factor.am/277093.html

Unemployment during COVID

230,000 unemployed and 1mln employed, said economist Hrant Margaryan. "This year's positive migration balance was a result of borders being closed."
http://arka.am/en/news/society/230_000_unemployed_in_armenia_now_expert_/

COVID testing in airport

Tourism-Armenia Association signed a deal with a COVID testing laboratory to conduct 6-hour tests for tourists visiting Zvartnots airport.
The visitors will get a 50% discount and will receive the results on email. If it's negative, they'll be allowed to exit the quarantine instead of waiting 14 days.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1025282.html

COVID restrictions will be relaxed

Universities will also resume in September. Libraries, museums, theaters can operate under open-air.
TV anchors don't have to wear a mask if they're alone in the room.
Restaurants can perform live music under the open air. The max number of patrons near a table increases from 5 to 8.
https://factor.am/277222.html

Japan issued a $2m grant to Armenia...

....to fight against COVID through equipment purchases.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1025286.html

This 6-year-old kid cooks better than you. Admit it.

Mom found out about an upcoming cooking competition in Goris and registered his 6-year-old son Mher Harutyunyan. He became the youngest participant.
The kid prepared a stuffed fish with a salad and was declared the winner. He won a trip to a cooking show.
"Mher has been helping grandpa and mom in kitchen since the age of 3. His dream is to open a restaurant."
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1025247.html

Pashinyan's youngest daughter Arpi was baptized

Video: https://www.facebook.com/nikol.pashinyan/videos/222906089113674/

Internal tourism during the pandemic

With the airports "closed", more people choose hiking and nature adventure, says the Tourism Committee.
Armenia has 11 companies that organize hiking to mountains. They gather 1,000 people every weekend.
Lately, there has been a great interest in rafting and canyoning. The youth also prefers horse riding and biking.
Off-road car travel among a small group is also common. They install tents to take a rest.
High-end hotels are already full for the next month.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1025214.html

A herd of bezoar goats was captured by nature camera

Capra aegagrus live in rocky areas with bushes.
https://youtu.be/ZJnTCoSQ2bM

Belarus: April 2018 or March 2008? / Lukashenko strikes a desperate tone

Context here.
During a speech to his "loyal" factory supporters, people began chanting "leave" at Lukashenko:
https://t.me/nexta_tv/3817
 
He finished the speech with "Thanks. I've said everything. You can keep shouting LEAVE now."
https://youtu.be/2wZb_Y357to&t=19
 
A protester then shouted, "Shoot yourself, officer". Lukashenko approached the man to confront him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edcKH0ksAgs
 
He gave another speech during which he warned the public that unfriendly NATO troops are only 15 minutes away from the borders:
https://youtu.be/R5Ssn2E1J8E?&t=309
 
The desperate man thanked his supporters for gathering in the square for a show of support.
"We built this country together. Who do you wanna give it to? Think hard, Belorussians. What is wrong with you? You've wanted to be called "people" for centuries. End me now, and it'll be the beginning of the end of yours."
https://youtu.be/QvCgC_Ub1Ac?&t=73
 
Aerial view of the size of the protests in Minsk. Half a million marched across the country:
https://youtu.be/f4W7wC2po9M
https://youtu.be/rUxPk_1MdtI?&t=220
 
What angered the public the most was the brutality by the special forces and executions of protesters. Local administrators were confronted and scolded by the angry crowd, who demanded the release of the detained activists.
https://youtu.be/XjZn91kZZEY
 
Doctors went on strike because they weren't allowed to enter jails to treat the thousands of detainees. There are widespread reports of torture. Medics chanted "resign" and "tribunal".
https://youtu.be/ODf4JlGD4RY
 
Journalists noticed a fleet of trucks coming from Russia. They said the trucks look similar to Russian National Guard trucks that often appear during protests in Russia.
https://youtu.be/yGx-DvXx3wU
 
Lukashenko rewarded 300 riot cops for their loyalty.
https://www.azatutyun.am/a/30789869.html
 
You've read 1940 words.

Disclaimer & Terminology

1) The accused are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law, even if they sound guilty.
2) Currency in Armenian ֏ unless specified otherwise.
3) NSS/SIS/SOC = law enforcement agencies. QP = Civil Contract Party. LHK = Bright Armenia Party. BHK = Prosperous Armenia Party. HHK = Republican Party. ARF = Armenian Revolutionary Federation Party
4) ARCHIVE of older posts by Idontknowmuch: PART 1 ; PART 2 ; PART 3 ; PART 4 ; PART 5.
5) ARCHIVE of older posts by Armeniapedia.

View this thread for the most up to date pubstomp list! This thread is updated everyday! Organizers, you can create an account and publish your event on Esports-Tickets.com if you plan to sell tickets, $0 fees promo for organizers
I tried to look for a pubstomp thread but couldn't find one so here it is! Usually Reservoir_cat creates this one but I haven't been able to get in touch with him/her. Here's the old TI7 and TI6 pubstomp threads.
There are a couple of threads made to ask for surveys/feedback/how-tos about pubstomps, feel free to PM me because I've organized several pubstomps in the past and partnered with sponsors such as RedBull, Logitech, GameVox, AMD, etc. as well and can offer a few tips and tricks!
Comment below with the country, city and description for your pubstomp, it helps a lot to include a link for additional details.

Country	City	Description
Australia	Brisbane	Event Link - Tickets $20 before 18/08, $25 after. Food and Drinks provided, giveaways and 1v1 tournament as well. luberk
Australia	Melbourne	Event Link - One amazing guy has rented a cinema in Melbourne, Australia if you feel like joining us at 3am! priorax
Australia	Sydney	Event Link - The same amazing guy that rented out a cinema in Melbourne, Australia has also rented out a cinema in Sydney, Australia if you feel like joining us at 3am.
Austria	Vienna	Event Link - HurghtRS
Belarus	Minsk	Event Link Official Secret Shop, bars , cosplay & sponspors giveaway. Velcom Cinema & Galileo Silver Screen RestorKa
Brazil	Belo Horizonte	Event Link - We will broadcast every game, including group stages, at WASD eSports Bar in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. For the finals we are planning a big event with giveaways and x1 with pros and semi-pros. The tickets are R$ 10,00 and you can check it out here. Urso_WASD
Brazil	Porto Alegre	Event Link - Venha assistir a final do The International 2018 ao vivo, em um telão, na Lends Club! Teremos comida, chopp e premios! Come watch The International 2018 finals on a big screen, at Lends Club! We'll have food, draft beer and prizes for atendees! esportsPOA
Canada	London	Event Link - We will once again host @ The Squire Pub & Grill in London, ON, CAD. RGBKnights
Canada	Ottawa	Event Link - At Click eSports Sat, 25 August 2018 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT. Ticket types to only watch or to also use gaming PCs at same time (note that I am not the organizer) Cote-de-Bone
Canada	Toronto	https://esports-tickets.com/event-public/ti8ve - Join us again this year at the Cineplex Yonge and Dundas! We’ve always sold out every year for the pubstomp and the crowd is always awesome! Need more information? Information and tickets are on our Esports-Tickets.com event page and you can join the Canada Dota 2 group. Some ticket packages are limited in quantities, so if you can't purchase a specific ticket, it means that it has been sold out. chibista
Denmark	Copenhagen	Event Link - Cinema viewing party for the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final of TI8 on 25. august 2018. 17:45-04:00 CET (or whenever it ends) with competitions, giveaways, free Coca-Cola at entrance, hosts, entertainment and a great atmosphere. Panel, interviews, and ceremony will all be broadcasted as well. OlLi_-
Estonia	Tartu	https://www.facebook.com/events/218604902140257/ - Hey! I'm organising a pubstomp in Tartu, Estonia. No ticket and proper pub food at the pub Illegaard. More info can be found at our FB event. dekamano
Finland	Helsinki	https://www.facebook.com/events/285584798893275/ - PHZ.fi in co-operation with Aalto Gamers are organizing a viewing party in the Helsinki metropolitan area (Espoo, Otaniemi to be precise). You can get there very easily by metro from Helsinki. Come enjoy the final day of TI8 with us! There's gonna be pizza & soft drinks available for free + there's a grocery store and a grill close by to the venue phzgames
Finland	Jyväskylä	Event Link - There's one here organized by JeSSe Ry: Jyväskylä, Finland. Ilokivi onstage. Facebook link for the event: This is 18+ event. Hallunder
Germany	Karlsruhe	Event Link - Since we have successfully hosted Germany’s biggest Dota 2 public viewing for a couple of years now, we want to try meet the expectations this year once again. We will be broadcasting the grand finals on August 25th on the AKK tribune starting at 7pm. There, we want to collectively experience the biggest spectacle in this Dota 2 year with all the fans from near and far. Not only Dota 2 players but also DotA veterans, Dota 2 newbies and everyone who wants to get to know the phenomenon Dota are welcome to join us. spcemarine
Germany	Regensburg	Event Link - The 4th year in a row we are organizing the Dota TI finals public viewing in the old town of Regensburg. The event will take place at Picasso Regensburg. Starting time is 18:00 at the 25th of august. Like the last years the entrance is free, we have a pubquiz and MEGA Dota related drink specials. This year we also organized a Fotobox (thanks to the Gamerverein Regensburg) were you can take fotos with your favourite Dota heroes or even become one yourself! For further details you can look up the event page or contact us via facebook. Kryptondifluorid
Hong Kong	Hong Kong	Event Link - Location is still to be determined. Dota2 HK is hosting one on Grand Finals Day. Aug 25, 10pm HK Time. cybuster2
India	Delhi NCR	Event Link - Dota 2 Delhi pubstomp is back sunnydiv
Ireland	Dublin	Event Link - It's in the same pub as previous years. Strictly 18+ unfortunately. Hopefully can get added to the list. KC252
Netherlands	Amsterdam	Event Link - Confirmed to broadcast as many of the games as possible, even after official closing times. No Facebook event yet. Razorya
Netherlands	Rotterdam	Event Link - Pretty sure there is one in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. I'm not sure it's a "pubstomp" but they're supposed to be hosting something. justanothrunistudent
Russia	Saint-Petersburg	http://dota2vo.ru/ti8 - Organizing pubstomp 6th time in awesome theatre with lounge zone, secret shop, 1x1 tournament and other stuff. Come to us on 25th of august finargot
Singapore	Singapore	Event Link - Singapore's one's at SAFRA Yishun, main atrium. Minimum spending of S$5 as per the post, for snacks pass. Cannot go because i booked a hotel somewhere else. nekosake2
Singapore	Singapore	Event Link - 2nd one is at Singtel Comcentre, with PMS nekosake2
South Africa	Cape Town	Event Link I think there's something happening in Cape Town (South Africa), I'm definitely gonna attend it :D meeposki
South Africa	Johannesburg	Event Link - Sparky_Naartjie
Sweden	Stockholm	https://www.facebook.com/events/206858336604801/ - I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it's an 18+ event. burger_stand
Thailand	Bangkok	Event Link - Not sure if this counted as pubstomp but we are having one in Bangkok, Thailand. Sponsored by Lenovo Thailand. It will be hosted at Siam Pavalai Theatre on the 6th floor of Siam Paragon shopping mall. Aug 25-26 10pm-10 am local time. Rawinza555
Thailand	Bangkok	Event Link - Another BIGGEST PUBSTOMP in BKK THAILAND is held by INVATE, Esport Specialist in Thailand (The best Live Broadcasting), who will bring the best experience to all Dota 2 fans!! discotechssss
Ukraine	Odessa	Event Link - there is pubstomp in Odessa, Ukraine if anyone even cares
United Kingdom	London	Event Link - This event is pending and not finalized JawnisBritish
United Kingdom	London	https://www.facebook.com/events/259335661345723/ - We are having one at the Carlsberg Esports bar in central London with free entry, food and drinks available and more to be announced. BanKseSports
United Kingdom	Manchester	Event Link - Over 18s only (they are Casino venues) epicWinbar
United Kingdom	Newcastle-upon-Tyne	Event Link - Over 18s only (they are Casino venues) epicWinbar
United Kingdom	Reading South	Event Link - Over 18s only (they are Casino venues) epicWinbar
USA	Acton	https://m.facebook.com/thepizzaplaceacton - Considering doing deals on pizza, apps, and Beer if we can get anyone out there. 85" TV and 6 TV'ss total in the sports bar. Pictures on Facebook. At this point its just me and my one friend. renorhino88
USA	Baltimore	Event Link - Hey, representing the Baltimore one as well! This event is 21+, food specials. It's the fourth year we've participated! Seanbiscuit
USA	Chicago	Event Link - If you're 18+ in Chicago and want to watch Grand Finals surrounded by fellow fans, come out to a FanHome hosted International watch party at Hi-Point, the gaming lounge of Highline in River North on Saturday, August 25th. Tickets are sold above, each ticket provides you entrance to the bar, food, giveaways from FanHome's beverage partner, and enters you into a raffle. Jayhawk2b
USA	Cincinnati	Event Link - I’m proud to announce the official TI8 Pubstomp this year in Cincinnati! I’ve been working with the owners of 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. We have a great venue setup, with our own reserved seating to accommodate however many people show up. We'll even have a signature drink just for the occasion! Please be sure to tell your friends and family (even those who haven’t watched or played DotA – they might leave a fan!).This event is for guests 21 and over, so please keep that in mind. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and please RSVP if you plan on attending. Banana___Hammock
USA	Houston	Event Link - The International 8 Watch Party on August 25th In Houston, TX! Whether you love Dota, or have never seen a game this is going to be a great party for all gamers! We will have special guests, vendors, raffles, drink specials, food, hookah stands and much more! We will be raffling off a Hyper X gamer setup including a Mechanical Keyboard, Mouse, and Headset! LotharThrowaway
USA	Medina	Event Link - Welcome to the 6th year of me hosting Dota pubstomps in Medina Ohio. Last year was a great turnout but after many people saying that it was too small i looked for a new place again. Luckily the place i hosted in 2016 is back and that's where we are this year. As always the event is open to anyone of any age and no cover charge! I just strongly encourage anyone who attends to Eat and Drink there as they are giving us the place for the whole day for free. theaxel11
USA	Oakland	Cafe el Patio - In Oakland, California is going be showing everything from the group stages to the Main event finals! Address is 4030 International Blvd, Oakland CA. There is limited seating but there are three TVs. typicalhonduran
USA	Sacramento	Event Link - Come watch The International 8 at my house! Join us for our second annual Pubstomp! We host Friday and Saturday and setup a LAN party in the dining room to play between matches. Fairfield is located directly between San Francisco and Sacramento (North-East bay). Last year we had six viewers. Please RSVP so we can plan for food and message you the exact address. Amenities include: 75" 4k UltraHD stream with Pioneer 5.1 Surround Sound, Pizza, Beer, Nachos and More, Couches, Enthusiasm, Fast Internet, 420 Friendly josher777
USA	Seattle	Event Link - If you're over 21 and are in the Seattle area during TI, @FollowMe has organized a pubstomp in Capitol Hill for Saturday, August 25th. Sketches_Stuff_Maybe
USA	Washington	Event Link - Join us at Tenley Bar and Grill to watch the finals on their projection screen. This event is ALL AGES and cosplay is encouraged. There will be giveaways throughout the day of some Dota2 swag as well as 3 full event tickets for GEXCon (gexconvention.com) coming up at the end of the month. dmr83457
Vietnam	Hanoi	Pending details from 23 Creative VN ptaqll5
Vietnam	Hai Phong City	Event Link - Time 21:00 , day 25 / 08 , location : 21 Trần Hưng Đạo Street - Vườn Xuân Coffee butchimau_hp_95
Vietnam	Ho Chi Minh City	Event Link - Watch their full HD video for the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOLKzDDyNuU ptaqll5
Vietnam	Ho Chi Minh City	Event Link - Time: 21 h00 day 25/8-10 h00 day 26/8, location: Restaurant 68 lộc shots, number 213 to theme, Ward 15, District 10, TP. Ho Chi Minh. All details, please contact MEGA esports gaming house at 0909791809 ptaqll5
---	---	----

PS: Also still hoping Valve would ship this merch out to us pubstomp organizers :D
PS: Discount on ticket fees on esports-tickets.com, pm me for details.