Investigation Uncovers Online Platforms Advertising Illegal Drug Trafficking

Authorities have uncovered a case of advertising platforms engaged in the illegal trafficking of drugs through social media, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. This was reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

During the preliminary investigation conducted by the main division of the Investigative Committee, a coordinated operation by investigators and the staff of the National Security Service’s Information Security and Communication Management Division led to significant findings regarding drug trafficking through advertisements on the Telegram social network.

In the initial criminal case initiated by the investigative department of the National Security Service of Armenia and subsequently transferred to the Investigative Committee, the mechanisms of the advertisements and the identities of the individuals who apparently committed the crime were revealed. The suspects are aged 19 and 23, both residents of Yerevan.

According to the obtained data, the 23-year-old registered on the Telegram platform using a phone number exploited by his mother and personally managed several Telegram channels such as “KRIMINALI_KANALNA”, “KRIMINALI_CHARXERIC”, “KRIMINALNA”, “KRIMINAL_2”, and “KRIMINAL_QUCHA”. His 19-year-old accomplice operated chat groups named “TOP_CHAT_TOP”, collectively amassing around 2,500 followers.

Between 2022 and May 2023, the young men published accessible and open information regarding prices, quantities, and more, related to the illegal sale of significant amounts of drugs via these channels. In some cases, while providing this information to their followers, they also advised them to purchase drugs from these shops, thus assisting in the illegal sale of drugs.

By continuing their criminal activities through providing information and advice in their chats and platforms, they shared accessible public information regarding the procurement of drugs from approximately two dozen Telegram channels involved in illegal drug sales. Additionally, they were also engaged in active promotional activities regarding drug trafficking on the TikTok social network by uploading various video messages.

As a result of coordinated operations with the NSS staff, the suspects were located, searches were conducted at their residences, and they were arrested for presentation to the court. They have been charged under part 3, point 2 of Article 393 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. The court has been petitioned to apply pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint, which has been granted. The investigation is ongoing.

Immediate measures are being taken to identify the presence of other individuals in the criminal chain, the sources of drug procurement, and the scope of individuals managing the social network platforms involved in the illegal drug trade.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia informs that the advertisement of drugs, psychotropic substances, or their derivatives in any form is criminalized in Armenia, as is their illegal circulation intended for sale. Punishment for such criminal acts is foreseen as a minimum imprisonment of three to six years.

The Investigative Committee will employ all possible legal measures in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable individuals engaged in such activities.