Criminal Authority Artem Kanevskoy on Groups in Black Clothing

Criminal authority Artem Kanevskoy, known by the nickname Artem Harutyunov, appeared in court today as a defendant.

Kanevskoy was detained by the police on the evening of January 11 as part of an operation dubbed “to lay on the asphalt.” During a search of his vehicle, a Saiga MK type hunting rifle was discovered.

At the end of the hearing, Artem Kanevskoy responded to journalists' questions, stating that the weapon found in his car does not belong to him and that he does not possess illegal weapons. When asked if he sees any special treatment directed against him, Kanevskoy answered briefly, “100 percent.” To the observation from the Armenian Times that he often catches the attention of police, he replied that he does not know why that is the case.

The Armenian Times notes that Kanevskoy's name is linked to another criminal authority, Arthur Asatryan, known as Don Pipo, who is suspected of being involved in ordering Asatryan's murder.

In response to a media inquiry about the accuracy of this information, Kanevskoy stated, “There is no such thing; they are talking nonsense. If they say such things, then what kind of business do I have outside?”

When asked about his relationship with Don Pipo, Kanevskoy claimed not to know him, saying, “Just as this is the first time you are seeing me, how can we have enmity? It’s the same.” He also confirmed that he has been interrogated in connection with that case.

When asked what he is doing in Armenia, Kanevskoy mentioned that he has a charitable foundation.

Commenting on the groups in black clothing, Kanevskoy remarked that he has encountered them, saying, “The cops are walking around in black clothes,” referring to the officers of the 6th division of police.