Investigation into the Creation and Leadership of a ‘Thief-in-Law’ Group Completed by Investigation Committee

The investigation into the establishment and leadership of a criminal group, known for its ties to the 'thief-in-law' hierarchy, has concluded in the special investigation department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia. This was achieved through extensive investigative measures and operational activities coordinated with the National Security Service and the Prosecutor's Office of Armenia.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Suren Avetisyan, known as ‘Pashi Tgha Suro Lenniyansk’, created and led a criminal group that operated within the criminal subculture. Evidence gathered indicated that Avetisyan received information from his associate Edmond Grigoryan about a fight that took place at a nightclub owned by fellow members Armen Varosyan and his brother Karen Varosyan, a person of criminal authority. Following this, on August 19, 2021, in Gyumri, Avetisyan convened members of the group to discuss the details of the altercation.

During this meeting, Avetisyan issued directives to resolve local disputes exclusively through individuals of high criminal rank, emphasizing that those engaging in hooliganism would face consequences from high-ranking criminal figures. The group members complied with his demands, thereby participating in the group’s criminal agenda.

On the same day, around 9:30 PM, at a facility located at the intersection of Chaikovsky and Tamanyan streets in Gyumri, members of the group, Tsolak Gevorgyan and Armen Varosyan, communicated Avetisyan's instructions to Karen Varosyan, who expressed his dissent, insisting he would adhere to the mandatory rules of the criminal subculture and address individuals’ issues accordingly.

In accordance with the established behavioral standards of the group, Avetisyan further organized the collection and management of funds from various individuals, as well as from penal institutions like ‘Armavir’ and ‘Sevan’, through a clear division of roles among group members such as Rafik Igitian and Vahan Ter-Poghossyan. Specifically, according to their arrangement, on January 9, 2022, member Vahan Ter-Poghossyan collected 4,595,000 AMD in Gyumri, transferring funds to group members Rafik Igitian and Tsolak Gevorgyan, who reported the amount back to Avetisyan via phone.

Following this, Avetisyan instructed Igitian to transfer $5,000 from the collected funds to Artem Ghazaryan, known as ‘Zapi Yegan’, in connection with his release from prison. Later that same day, Igitian delivered the prescribed amount to Ghazaryan at his residence.

Moreover, on March 7, 2022, Avetisyan, following the criminal tradition due to the death of Ghazaryan's father, ordered Igitian to provide another $10,000 to Ghazaryan. Igitian coordinated with his son, Ashot Igitian, instructing him to retrieve the funds from their hiding place and deliver them to the specified location. Ashot Igitian complied, passing the money on to his father, who then transferred it to Ghazaryan.

The investigation also uncovered that Karen Varosyan unlawfully possessed a factory-manufactured P. BERETTA 950 BS pistol of caliber 6.35mm and eight rounds, as well as significant amounts of methamphetamine and α-PVP drugs, along with 75.1 grams of marijuana he cultivated himself, stored within his residence. The aforementioned firearm, ammunition, and drugs were seized during an authorized search in connection with the criminal case.

Based on the collected evidence, charges were filed against Suren Avetisyan under Article 323, Part 2, Point 5 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, against Artem Ghazaryan and Karen Varosyan under Article 322, Part 1, Article 335, Part 1, Article 396, Part 3, and Article 404, Part 1. Ashot Igitian, Edmond Grigoryan, Vahan Ter-Poghossyan, and Tsolak Gevorgyan faced charges under Article 324, Part 1. Pre-trial detention was selected as a measure of restraint for all but Rafik Igitian, who was charged under Article 324, Part 1 and released on bail. The investigation concerning these eight individuals has been separated into a distinct proceeding, with the pre-trial stage completed and the case materials sent to the prosecuting attorney for the approval of the indictment and trial initiation.