Hraparak: The Recent Hunt for 'Thieves in Law' Also Has Political Motives

The newspaper ‘Hraparak’ writes: In recent days, law enforcement has actively engaged in the fight against ‘thieves in law,’ criminal authorities, and subcultures. Although such promises were made a year ago, they have taken practical shape in recent days.

During the last week, there have been numerous cases of detention, arrest, and imprisonment of ‘thieves in law,’ including Andranik Sogoyan (known by the nickname ‘Zap’), Gevork Melikyan (the ‘Oshakan Gevork’), Artyom Kanevskoy, and Goh Alon (Alexander Makaryan), among others.

There is an attempt to link the actions against criminal elements with the operations conducted by special forces in the Nubarashen, Armavir, and Vanadzor penitentiaries. Furthermore, the announcement of the arrest of the Oshakan Gevork states that those who carry criminal subculture backgrounds have maintained control over detainees in penitentiaries.

According to our sources, this ‘hunt’ for criminals also has political motives. In a politically unstable environment, the authorities are trying to instill fear in them, as it is no secret that ‘thieves in law’ have considerable influence and have previously collaborated with the current government. If they decide to fight against the current authorities, the situation for the government could become significantly more complicated.

Therefore, it has been decided to gather them, develop cases against them, and warn that they will follow the appropriate legal process if they do not behave themselves.