VIDEO: 'Thief-in-Law' Arsen Yerevantsi Detained by NSS

As part of the implementation of laws criminalizing activities related to criminal subculture, the National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia and the police are conducting consistent work to combat this subculture, to prevent and neutralize possible attempts of countering individuals or groups associated with it.

The NSS reports that as a result of substantial investigative and other procedural actions initiated on March 13, 2020, under relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, and through comprehensive operational-intelligence measures undertaken simultaneously by NSS and police forces, it has been possible to expose schemes involving individuals of high rank in the criminal hierarchy who have established and led a group carrying a criminal subculture, participated in or engaged individuals in this group, and approached members of this group or individuals of high rank in the criminal hierarchy.

On May 21, 2020, Arsen Mkrtchyan, known as 'Arsen Yerevantsi', was detained by the NSS's investigative department on grounds of having established and led a group associated with criminal subculture. Also detained was Armen Melikonyan, known as 'Basar', on suspicion of participating in this group or being involved in the implementation of its objectives, as well as organizing or participating in gatherings of this group.

In addition, eight other individuals were detained on suspicion of having gained material or non-material benefits or advantages through the illegal influence of members of the group, participating in the group's endeavors, or organizing or attending its gatherings. A total of 22 searches were conducted in the residences and vehicles of the aforementioned individuals, resulting in the discovery and seizure of large sums of money, drugs, and other items significant to the criminal case.

Among the detainees, seven have been arrested based on the established grounds prescribed by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, while three have been subjected to a precautionary measure of signing not to leave. Active measures are being undertaken to uncover and thwart other criminal actions involving individuals implicated in the criminal schemes.