Citizen Ordered the Murder of Another Citizen, Gave 10,000 Dollars, Firearm, and Ammunition to Accomplice: NSS

The investigation into a criminal case concerning a group of individuals who illegally acquired and kept firearms and military ammunition has concluded in the investigative department of the National Security Service (NSS) of the Republic of Armenia. This case involves an attempted murder commissioned for profit, preparation for the murder of two or more people, and other related offenses.

According to the NSS, during the comprehensive and effective investigation, a collection of interlinked, credible, and sufficient evidence was obtained indicating that the client illegally acquired and, in agreement with an accomplice, kept firearms and military ammunition. Furthermore, he ordered his accomplice to carry out murders of six individuals and tasked another accomplice with assisting in the murders of two out of those six individuals.

Specifically, a citizen of Armenia undertook to organize the murder of another citizen of Armenia, commissioning the execution by providing his accomplice with $10,000, along with firearms and ammunition he had previously acquired illegally. The accomplice unconditionally followed the orders and fired shots from the specified firearm at the targeted individual in Yerevan, causing medium injuries; however, due to circumstances beyond his control, the murder was not completed, as the targeted individual managed to avoid further gunfire after sustaining the described gunshot wound.

Not satisfied with this result and aiming to complete the murder, the client instructed his accomplice to continue monitoring the movements of the targeted individual and to carry out the murder at the first possible opportunity.

To monitor the movements of the other targeted individuals and commit murders, the client rented an apartment in Yerevan for the accomplice, purchased a vehicle for him, covered his living expenses, and provided disguise materials intended for concealment and becoming unrecognizable, along with firearms, including a homemade pistol-submachine gun.

In order to bury the bodies of the targeted individuals after the murders and thereby hide traces of the crime, the client discussed and selected appropriate locations in the Kotayk and Ararat regions with the accomplice.

Subsequently, according to the instructions provided by the client and the roles assigned by him, the accomplices monitored the movements of the targeted individuals while studying the existence of surveillance cameras at their residences to exclude the likelihood of being uncovered during the preparation or execution of the planned crime. During this period, they periodically reported to the client about the individuals accompanying the targeted individuals and the route of their movements. However, in this case as well, they were unable to complete the murders due to operational and investigative measures taken by the NSS employees.

On July 27, 2021, the criminal case was sent to the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia with a motion to send it to court regarding three individuals with a bill of indictment.

The NSS of the Republic of Armenia warns that it will continue to carry out a consistent and uncompromising fight against the illegal circulation of arms and military ammunition, as well as against crimes directed at life, health, and public order. Effective measures will be implemented to protect the safety of individuals, society, and the state, the constitutional order, and the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Notice: The person suspected or accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia through a legally binding court verdict.