Video: Yerevan Resident Ordered the Killing of 6 People, NSS Reveals

The National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia, dedicated to upholding citizens' fundamental constitutional rights, particularly the right to life against various threats, has conducted operational and investigative measures leading to significant discoveries regarding the preparation of ordered murders of Armenian citizens, illegal acquisition of firearms, and repeated illegal crossings of the State border with forged documents.

Specifically, it was revealed that a resident of Yerevan, for profit motives, ordered the murder of a citizen involved in entrepreneurial activities for a reward of $190,000. He had made preliminary arrangements with an acquaintance to unlawfully deprive this individual of life, promising to provide half of the reward after the crime's commission and providing a handgun along with ammunition and $1,000 for incidental expenses.

Following the organizer's instructions, the perpetrator, under direct organization and supervision, shot at a targeted individual who was walking on Gyulbenkyan Street in Yerevan in June 2014, causing bodily harm. Not satisfied with this outcome, the organizer instructed to continue monitoring the victim's movements and to execute the murder at the first opportunity.

Additionally, intending to intentionally deprive life from five other Armenian citizens, the orderer directed the monitoring of these individuals' movements, also involving another acquaintance to choose convenient circumstances and timing for carrying out the murder.

To prepare and execute these murders, the organizer rented an apartment in Yerevan for the perpetrator, provided transportation, makeup items for concealment and to avoid recognition, and illegally acquired types of firearms, including a custom-made pistol with a silencer and corresponding ammunition, which were unlawfully held in the rented apartment until the end of February 2020.

During the preparation phase for the murders, the organizer crossed the protected State border of Armenia twice using a clearly forged passport of a Russian citizen, bearing his own photo but another person’s data. Discussions were held with the perpetrator regarding locations to hide the bodies of the targeted individuals after the murders, and these discussions took place under the operational oversight of the NSS. However, the organizer did not achieve his criminal purpose due to unforeseen circumstances, as his actions were thwarted by the NSS.

A criminal case has been initiated in the investigative department of the NSS based on the evident criminal cases in accordance with the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Two individuals preparing for the murders have been neutralized and arrested. Numerous investigative actions, including searches, have been carried out, resulting in the formulation of charges against them based on irrefutable evidence, and the chosen measure of restraint by the court has been detention.

An investigation is ongoing, and relevant measures are being taken to clarify the motives for preparing murders, the orderers, and the circle of people involved in the criminal acts, as well as any other related incidents that may have occurred abroad.

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