Taxi Called to Transfer $5,000: Driver Steals Money and Makes Demands

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has revealed details regarding the case of theft and extortion committed by a 24-year-old young man who was entrusted with the money. It was established during investigative and procedural actions conducted in the first investigative division of the Central and Norq-Marash administrative districts of Yerevan.

On August 1, 2022, at 1:30 PM, in the parking lot of the ‘Bellagio’ restaurant complex on Myasnikyan Avenue in Yerevan, a 46-year-old man handed over $5,000 USD and 68,000 AMD to a 24-year-old taxi driver. The funds were to be delivered to a friend of the man on Khanchyan Street, with the 68,000 AMD intended for a payment via the FedEx system on his behalf.

However, with the intention of stealing the large sums entrusted to him, the 24-year-old did not deliver the $5,000 to the specified individual, nor did he make any payments. Instead, he absconded with the money, causing the man substantial property damage amounting to 2,105,650 AMD.

Furthermore, after stealing the entrusted money, the 24-year-old, with the intent to extort the victim's property, contacted the 46-year-old man via the WhatsApp mobile application, demanding that he withdraw his complaint to the police, as well as an additional 10,000 AMD. He threatened that if the victim did not comply, he would not return the money he had in his possession.

Charges have been filed against the 24-year-old under Article 256, Part 2, Clause 3, and Article 258, Part 1, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. He has been remanded in custody. The preliminary investigation has been completed, and the materials of the criminal proceedings have been submitted to the supervising prosecutor with an accusatory conclusion.

Note: The individual accused of the crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the established procedure of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court decision.