Ethics Watchdog Requests Investigation of ANCA

On February 17, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), an ethics watchdog in Washington, requested that an investigation be launched into the activities of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) by the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service and both the House and the Senate. CREW’s complaint cites a number of violations of the organization’s tax status, potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and possible illegal campaign finance and lobbying violations.

ANCA has previously been in the news when its Chairman at the time, Mourat Topalian, was indicted on charges related to terrorist attacks against the Turkish diplomatic missions in the United States . He served three years in prison. In 2000, ANCA presented Mourad Topalian with the "Freedom Award" for his "dedication to advancing the Armenian cause," praising his "unique brand of leadership in driving forward and promoting Armenian history and the cause of the Armenian nation." For more on the Topalian case, visit here

TCA is encouraged by the efforts of the new Congress and the new Administration to put an end to corruption and impropriety in government. We commend CREW for its work on monitoring the enforcement of laws that uphold the ethical integrity of our public officials and those who seek to influence them.

For CREW’s complaint against ANCA and related press coverage, visit here