IOLR

An investigation has been launched into allegations of corruption within the Road Protection Service of the Azerbaijan Automobile Roads Agency (AADA). According to Oxu.Az, the allegations relate to abuse of office and corruption.

AADA has filed a complaint with the Main Anti-Corruption Department under the Prosecutor General regarding the violation of the law. Several officials of the department were reportedly questioned based on the complaint.

It is currently unknown whether anyone has been charged in the investigation.

It is reported that by order of the new Chairman of the AADA, Vusal Nasirli, several days ago, Saftar Ismayilov, head of the Road Protection Service, who had led the agency for 20 years, was dismissed from his post.

The criminal trial against Azer Bagirov, accused of treason through espionage, has concluded. He was detained outside of Azerbaijan as a result of operations carried out by the State Security Service and brought back to the country to face criminal charges, Oxu.Az reports. At the final hearing, held in the Baku Court of Grave Crimes under the chairmanship of Judge Babek Panahov, the verdict was read. He was sentenced to 16 years and six months in prison. He will serve his sentence in a special regime correctional facility.

During the trial, it was established that Azer Bagirov, acting on instructions from representatives of a foreign special intelligence agency, engaged in espionage activities in another country. In particular, he photographed and videotaped military and strategic facilities, collected and transmitted geolocation data, and committed other illegal activities.

It is noted that this is not Azer Bagirov’s first conviction. He previously served a sentence for attempted murder.

Comprehensive measures to combat the involvement of Azerbaijani citizens with criminal records in undercover intelligence and sabotage activities of foreign intelligence services in third countries are ongoing.