Criminal Case of 34.8 Million Dram Theft from ATMs via Computer Technology Sent to Court

In August 2018, a theft occurred at an ATM located on Kyivian Street in Yerevan. A criminal case was initiated under Article 181 (theft committed using computer technology) of the RA Criminal Code, based on the incident. Over time, the case was merged with other robbery incidents from ATMs of the same bank located on various streets in Yerevan, as well as with criminal cases for attempted theft and burglary by a member of the same group.

The investigation unit of cyber crimes and high technology at the RA Investigative Committee conducted extensive investigative and procedural actions, identifying two individuals allegedly involved in the crimes, both residents of Yerevan and friends born in 1986 and 1979.

Investigators obtained evidence indicating that the two men learned that it was possible to illegally withdraw money from ATMs using a malicious software program installed in the bank's computer system. They reached a preliminary agreement with an unidentified group to carry out theft of a particularly large sum of money from the bank, completing role assignments and stealing a total of 34,800,000 AMD.

Additionally, it was revealed that the man born in 1979 had previously agreed to secretly steal someone else's property with an unidentified accomplice. They utilized a special device to open the lock of an apartment door in the Nor Nork district of Yerevan, illegally entered the residence, and stole 2,400,000 AMD, 120 USD, as well as watches and jewelry valued at 700,000 AMD, causing a property damage totaling to 3,157,740 AMD.

Subsequently, using technical means, he broke into the entry door lock of another apartment on Komitas Avenue but was unable to complete the crime due to circumstances beyond his control, as no money or valuables were found in the apartment.

Based on the accumulated evidence, charges were brought against the man born in 1979 under Articles 177 (theft) and 34-177 (attempted theft) of the RA Criminal Code, and Article 38-181 (organization of theft committed using computer technology). His accomplice born in 1986 was charged under Article 181 (theft committed using computer technology).

The criminal case against the two defendants has been sent to court with an indictment conclusion. The investigation continues regarding the unidentified individuals involved in the case.

Note: The suspect or defendant in an alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court judgment.