Two Individuals Arrested for Stealing Vehicle License Plates

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has uncovered the circumstances surrounding a case of extortion through the theft of vehicle license plates, following a thorough investigation by the Abovyan Investigative Division of the Kotayk Regional Investigative Directorate.

According to the evidence collected during the investigation, a resident of Yerevan conspired with an acquaintance with the intention of stealing significant amounts of someone else's property through extortion. In June and July 2021, they secretly stole license plates valued at 1,500,000, 400,000, 150,000, and 100,000 Armenian drams from parked vehicles in various parts of Yerevan and Abovyan, using a car belonging to a resident of Yerevan.

Exploiting a government decision that allows for no re-issuance of identical license plates in case of loss, they left notes on the vehicles' windshields stating, "Your plates are with us; contact us via Telegram to retrieve them," along with a specified address. In return for the plates, they demanded various sums of money, threatening that failure to comply would result in the destruction of the plates.

After receiving the demanded amounts, the stolen license plates were returned to their respective owners. With ample evidence collected, charges have been filed against the two men under Article 182, Part 1 (five episodes) and Article 182, Part 2, Point 2 (three episodes) of the RA Criminal Code. They have been placed under arrest as a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing.

Note: A suspect or accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the RA criminal procedure code, by a court decision that has entered into legal force.