Man Charged with Stealing Diamonds at Diavik Mine

RAPAPORT... The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has arrestedand charged a man accused of stealing diamonds at the Diavik mine, the force saidWednesday. Samson Mkhitaryan is suspected of stealing more than $3,860 (CAD 5,000) in diamonds. The theft was "internal," the police noted. In February, Diavik Diamond Mines (DDM) - which Rio Tinto owns - reported the missing stones to the RCMP. The police investigation led to the recovery of the diamonds, and to the arrest of Mkhitaryan. "It is important to recognize the quick actions of thediamond company and investigation by RCMP led to the successful recovery of thediamonds," said Marie York-Condon, a spokeswoman for RCMP. "The checks andbalances in place were able to bring this illegal activity to light, and thepolice of jurisdiction were able to make an arrest." The investigation is still ongoing. Mkhitaryan will nextappear in court in April. DDM owns 60% of the Diavik mine in Canada's Northwest Territories, while Dominion Diamond Mines owns the rest. Rio Tinto did not respond to a request for comment. Image: Rio Tinto