Developments After the Murder of 'Don Pippo's' Brother: New Details

The investigation into the preparations for murder, establishing a criminal conspiracy, leadership, participation, and the illegal acquisition, possession, and use of weapons has concluded at the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia concerning three accused individuals, as reported by the Committee.

As a result of extensive investigative and procedural actions, several significant facts related to the criminal case have been clarified. Specifically, the preliminary investigation has established that a resident of Vagharshapat, known by the alias 'Don Pippo' (A.A.), and a relative of his wife (K.G.) created and led a criminal association in the city, recruiting associates for the purpose of participating in organized crimes.

To conceal their illegal activities and give them a legitimate appearance, they established a company purportedly providing security services and offered various individuals the opportunity to work as guards, favoring athletes in their recruitment.

The criminal case has established that recruited participants, including A.H., known as 'Sensei Arthur', A.M., who had de facto managerial authority at the agricultural market in Vagharshapat, and V.G., who provided security services, participated in the criminal association and unconditionally followed the instructions of the leaders, including committing serious and especially serious crimes.

In pursuit of the stated goals, members of the criminal conspiracy illegally acquired various types of combat and non-combat weapons, ammunition, and other military tools, carrying and transporting them at different locations.

In March 2021, tensions flared between residents of Vagharshapat H.G., A.D., L.D., and A.A. Driven by the obsession to publicly punish his fellow townsmen, on the evening of March 14, 2021, A.A. met at a restaurant in Vagharshapat with members of his group, guards, and around 40 others, including close associates of H.G.

During this meeting, several dozen individuals from both armed groups exchanged gunfire with illegal firearms and ammunition, resulting in one participant sustaining an injury to the head.

After the incident, A.A. instructed his associates to erase any traces of the firearms provided to them before the incident, ordered those present to change and hide their clothing from the time of the incident, and to hide from law enforcement by avoiding work for an extended period.

Following these events, including the murder of R.S. and A.A.'s brother, K.G. and A.A. left the Republic of Armenia, after which A.H., a loyal associate of the leaders of the criminal conspiracy, took over the leadership role.

In an attempt to take revenge on individuals connected to the murders, A.H., operating in the name of A.A., commissioned murders in Russia and Armenia for a substantial amount of money, targeting H.G., his brother V.G., and A.P., whom they believed to be responsible for the aforementioned murders.

To this end, A.H. reached agreements with two acquaintances to carry out the murders for payment and began training them, but they later rejected the task, leading to the unsanctioned conclusion of the crimes.

Based on sufficient evidence, A.H. has been charged under various articles of the Armenian Criminal Code, while A.M. and V.G. face charges related to different articles as well. The case has been separated for processing regarding these individuals and has been forwarded to the prosecutor for a motion to file charges and submit it to court for judicial oversight.

Decisions have been made to involve the leaders of the criminal conspiracy, A.A. and K.G., as accused under Article 235, part 3, and Article 223, part 1, with their detention being chosen as a preventive measure and a search being announced for them. Additionally, another member of the criminal organization has been charged under Article 258, part 4, and Article 235, part 1, with others facing similar charges under different articles.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing for seven accused individuals.

Notice: A person suspected or accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally effective court verdict.