Video: Shoplifting Gang Strikes Again at Mall, Assaults Security Staff - Hetq

A gang of criminals, responsible for shoplifting from clothing stores in Yerevan malls, has become active once again. Using noise-blocking devices, they entered the stores, grabbed large quantities of clothing, and exited undetected. The latest incident occurred at the Pull & Bear clothing store in Dalma Garden Mall, as reported by Hetq.am.

Two members of the gang, one of whom is reported to be Grigor Martirosyan, regarded as a leader of the group, attempted to steal goods on March 27, 2021. According to a security employee from the Inditex group (which includes Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka, and Stradivarius), the security staff member recognized them and confronted them, resulting in a verbal altercation. The employee, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that they made offensive remarks towards her but ultimately, the group members failed to achieve their goals and fled the store.

Just a few days later, on April 1, the same individuals returned to Pull & Bear to attempt another theft. The same security employee spotted them again and tried to prevent the theft. However, this time, Grigor Martirosyan exhibited more aggressive behavior and resorted to violence against the security staff member. He first elbowed her in the stomach near the mall's elevator and then struck her in the face while also hurling insults at her. Once again, they left empty-handed, while Grigor Martirosyan remains at large.

The incident can be seen in the video provided by an Inditex security employee.

Earlier, we reported that Grigor Martirosyan was involved in a criminal case for the assault of Sergey Filiposyan, the head of security at Yerevan Mall, but the criminal proceedings were dropped during the trial phase as he reached a settlement with Filiposyan.

An organized crime group has been stealing from malls for years without facing serious obstacles, engaging in brawls and disputes with security staffers. The police chief has repeatedly instructed to enhance patrolling services in malls; however, it appears that these services are neither strengthened nor effective at all. In a previous report, the prosecutor's office acknowledged a legislative gap in these types of crimes relating to detention, imprisonment as a preventive measure, or sentencing. You can find links to this report and our other materials related to the organized crime group below.