Criminal Boss and Zone Watcher Arrested

As a result of extensive operational-search measures and urgent investigative actions undertaken by the officers of the Criminal Police Department of the Republic of Armenia Police and the Main Investigation Department of Particularly Important Cases of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia under the procedural management of the Public Security Crimes Division of the RA Prosecutor's Office, a 'thief in law'—an individual with the highest rank in the criminal hierarchy—and a so-called 'zone watcher' have been uncovered, along with their leadership of a criminal culture group.

The investigation has revealed instances where individuals sought the illegal influence of the 'thief in law,' who possesses the highest rank in the criminal hierarchy, to resolve private disputes.

In relation to the uncovered criminal acts, a criminal case was initiated on August 10, 2020, at the Criminal Police Department of the RA Police, which has been forwarded to the Main Investigation Department of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee according to the jurisdiction. On August 13, 2020, as a result of joint efforts with the police, a search was conducted leading to the discovery and arrest of the 'thief in law' and a participant of the group he oversees.

It has been established that a citizen approached the 'thief in law,' seeking the return of a debt owed to him by an individual detained in a correctional facility. To resolve this dispute through illegal influence, the 'thief in law' gave a corresponding directive to a participant of the criminal culture group he leads. The participant then conveyed the directive to the 'zone watcher,' a recognized 'criminal authority' held within the correctional facility, who engaged others in his group to carry out the wishes of the 'thief in law' regarding the resolution of the dispute.

The pre-investigation is ongoing, and all necessary actions are being taken to establish the complete circle of participants and individuals connected to the group.

Note: A person suspected or accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a final court decision.