BAKU — September 3, 2025
The Baku Court on Grave Crimes has begun hearings in the high-profile case of Rafiq Goyushov, a former employee of the administrative department of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, accused of large-scale fraud totaling more than $295,000.
At Wednesday’s session, chaired by Judge Anar Sadigov, the court confirmed the defendant’s personal details. Goyushov’s lawyer told the court that the U.S. Embassy had lodged no formal complaint against his client but acknowledged that if wrongdoing was proven, he should be punished. The defense requested that the case be returned for further investigation — a motion the court rejected.
The trial will resume on September 17, Report informs.
Alleged scheme
According to investigators from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Main Directorate for Combating Cybercrime, Goyushov exploited his position for nearly 20 years to siphon embassy funds earmarked for housing diplomats and visiting officials.
In one example cited by prosecutors, an apartment rented for $118 per night was officially recorded as $236, with the difference pocketed by the accused. Such schemes allegedly continued for years, with the total misappropriated amount exceeding $295,000.
Charges and penalties
Goyushov faces charges under Article 178.4 of the Criminal Code (fraud in especially large amounts). The embassy has been recognized as the injured party in the case.
Although the accused remains under police supervision, he has not reimbursed the damage. If convicted, he could face 10 to 14 years in prison.
