Soldier Extorts $25,000 Equivalent from US Citizen via Social Media: Military Police

The Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia has discovered a criminal group suspected of fraudulent activities and extortion as a result of operational-investigative measures conducted on March 19, 2021. From December 2020 to February 2021, under various pretexts related to military service, the group received a total of 25,000 USD equivalent in Armenian drams through bank transfers from US citizen H.T., under the guise of requesting assistance.

It has been clarified that M.K., a conscript soldier from the N military unit, established contact with US citizen H.T. through social media and fraudulently obtained money from him during the indicated period. Afterward, in agreement with his acquaintances V.Q. and A.H., he demanded money from H.T. under a false username, through deceit and extortion. The funds were sent via bank transfers to citizens M.A. and A.A., who then handed over the received amounts to the aforementioned individuals according to their prior arrangement.

M.K., V.Q., A.H., and A.A. have provided explanations on the matter. A criminal case has been initiated by the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia based on the prepared materials.

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