“The primary motivation for making explosives is to commit a crime. If there are no such purposes, making an explosive device is pointless work,” David Melkumyan, Head of the Department of Explosive Engineering, Explosive Technology, and Fire Engineering Examinations at the National Bureau of Examinations, stated in a conversation with Iravaban.net.
According to him, 90 percent of explosive engineering investigations are accompanied by on-site investigation: “There was also a case where a Civil Defense teacher, trying to present more vividly what an explosion is and what consequences it can have, attempted to demonstrate this more illustratively. He took students to deserted areas and conducted explosion operations there. During one of the preparatory activities, an explosion occurred in his house due to carelessness.”
The expert is not satisfied with examining only the explosion section; he conducts an extensive investigation. Then, laboratory studies show which of the identified objects may relate to the exploded object.
“The investigation of the scene is not carried out independently. The investigator is present, and if items or objects important for the investigation are found, they are recorded,” notes Melkumyan.
The expert indicates that the department is currently in an overloaded state. Objects requiring investigation from the military operations of 2018, 2020, and 2022 still constitute a large number, with some located in military units or the Military Police. Smaller physical evidence is kept at the Bureau and is still being investigated.
“Very often, the timeframes for conducting examinations become a subject of discussion. This is connected with both objective and subjective reasons. The first is the small number of explosive engineering experts, and additionally, the timeframes established by the new Criminal Code,” the department head notes.
According to Julieta Ghahramanyan, Head of the Explosive Engineering and Explosive Technology Division of the Bureau, detecting traces of petroleum products and flammable liquids during fires is of great importance. There are objects kept with incorrect packaging and wrong storage conditions, as a result of which those conducting examinations face a complex problem.
“In recent years, cases of vehicle arson have increased: “These are mainly due to disputes arising around household issues, family situations, and people not being able to solve their problems in a civilized manner, turning to criminal paths. The wife burns the husband’s car, the husband burns the wife’s car,” notes Julieta Ghahramanyan.
There is no higher education in this field.
Details in the video.
