VIDEO: The Thief-in-Law 'Ero Tomski' Led a Criminal Group, According to the Investigative Committee

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has revealed several circumstances regarding the involvement and recruitment of a criminal group during extensive investigative and procedural actions conducted within the framework of a criminal case, with the participation of agents from the National Security Service, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Police.

The Investigative Committee reports that according to the factual data obtained during the investigation, E. J., known as 'Ero Tomski,' who holds the highest status in the criminal hierarchy as a 'thief-in-law,' led the criminal group he created, issuing orders to members of the group to carry out actions aimed at achieving its goals, as well as making decisions based on his authority that contradicted the mandatory behavioral rules established by the state.

Specifically, according to the clear role distribution established by E. J., group members A.N., K.Q., and V.M. received approximately 1,500 boxes of cigarettes, 300 boxes of tea, and around 1,500,000 Armenian drams in cash from various individuals within the context of a so-called 'gref' organized for convicts in various penitentiary institutions between December 15 and 27, 2021. Following E. J.'s instructions, A.N. distributed these items in the penitentiary institutions and sent 350,000 drams as the so-called 'gref' from the collected money.

Additionally, several citizens approached group members A.N. and K.Q. for the return of borrowed sums. Moving contrary to state-mandated behavioral rules and following the criminal group's recognized behavioral norms, they organized the process for the return of these funds, some of which were embezzled by them.

In November 2021, a resident of Stepanavan, identified as M.S., was involved in a dispute over a financial matter with his former acquaintance. The latter sought assistance from group member A.N., who attempted to mediate the issue as a 'representative of the criminal world.' When M.S. stated he did not recognize A.N. as such, A.N., K.Q., and others confronted him on November 21, beat him for his viewpoint, after which E. J. resolved the contentious issue.

A.N. also clarified various disputes among individuals, ensuring they adhered to a so-called 'proper' lifestyle and rules. Notably, on February 7, 2022, during a domestic dispute, a resident of Stepanavan stabbed another participant twice. Then, A.N. and K.Q., after listening to both parties, concluded that the aforementioned resident was at fault and summoned him to an area in the city formerly housing a bread factory, where he was slapped as punishment.

The investigation also established that starting from April 28, 2022, A.N. initiated a process of collecting cash, tobacco, coffee, and tea among residents of the Stepanavan region, which was then sent to various penitentiary institutions in Armenia.

According to the source, searches conducted in around 30 apartments in the Stepanavan region resulted in the discovery of approximately 30 various-caliber cartridges, the so-called 'gref' money, and lists of various goods to be collected. It is noted that sufficient evidence has been gathered to present public criminal prosecution against three members of the criminal group under the first part of Article 324 of the RA Criminal Code, and detention has been applied as a measure of restraint. The pre-investigation continues.