Video: Another Case of Illegal Migration Organization Exposed

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has revealed another case of illegal migration organization involving several individuals, following operational information received by the Counterintelligence Department of the NSS and the Shirak regional division.

As a result of large-scale operational and investigative measures conducted by the investigative department of the NSS in collaboration with the mentioned operational units, it was established that a person identified as A. P, engaged in tourism in Yerevan and Armavir cities during the period of September to November 2022, conspired with another individual, K. M., involved in similar activities, to facilitate the illegal migration of two or more individuals for profit motive. They agreed to organize the entry and stay of these individuals in a foreign country.

According to the agreement, they coordinated their actions among group members, distributing roles while organizing the illegal migration of 6 citizens of the Republic of Armenia and several other individuals. The migrants were reportedly charged between $3,000 and $3,500 to obtain the necessary travel permits for entry into Schengen countries.

The group presented forged documents, purportedly proving ownership of real estate and employment status, as well as other significant details such as marital status and income levels, to the competent authorities in Armenia to secure the appropriate permits for entering foreign states.

Additionally, A. P, in conspiracy with other accomplices, organized the illegal migration of 31 citizens of Armenia and others during the same period, receiving sums of $4,500 for this purpose.

During the pre-trial investigation, searches were conducted at the residences, vehicles, and offices of travel agencies associated with the criminal group. These searches uncovered falsified documents, records of payments made by individuals who received illegal entry permits, copies of identities and passports of citizens who had left Armenia illegally, significant sums of money, and other documents and items pertinent to the criminal case.

Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, decisions were made by the supervising prosecutor to initiate public criminal proceedings against two members of the criminal group for organizing illegal migration under the relevant articles of the Armenian Criminal Code. They have been arrested for presentation to the court. One individual has been detained on reasonable suspicion of committing the crime, while a precautionary measure of detention has been applied to one of the group members.

The criminal investigation is ongoing, including necessary investigative actions and operational measures to clarify all circumstances of the case and identify all individuals involved in the criminal network, along with implementing legal measures against them.

The NSS urges citizens of Armenia to refrain from involvement in illegal migration processes when traveling abroad or returning home, to eliminate the use of false documents, and to prevent the provision of significant amounts of money to those organizing such processes unlawfully.

Note: A person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court decision in accordance with the procedures established by the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code.