Alleged Criminal Organization Led by Vardan Ghukasyan and Artak Galstyan: Investigative Committee Initiates Criminal Proceedings

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has revealed evidence of the establishment and leadership of a criminal organization by Vardan Ghukasyan, known as "Dog," and Artak Galstyan, who are leaders of the "Public Voice" party. This announcement was made by the Investigative Committee of Armenia regarding an ongoing criminal case involving particularly large-scale extortion, disrespect towards the court, and other alleged criminal acts.

Specifically, Ghukasyan and Galstyan allegedly created and led a vast criminal organization in mid-2021 aimed at extorting significant sums from individuals and organizations by threatening to publish damaging information about them, which would harm their rights and legal interests. They reportedly engaged in fraudulent activities to unlawfully obtain financial assets or rights to property, and to launder money obtained through criminal means.

During the investigation, four instances of particularly large-scale extortion have been identified, with amounts demanded through blackmail reaching up to the equivalent of $500,000 in cash or property from various individuals.

According to analysis, Ghukasyan has created numerous accounts on various social media platforms to build an audience, intending to exploit public opinion as a tool for executing his threats. Members of the criminal group have been tasked with managing these accounts.

To exert influence over serious social and political decisions, the organizational structure of the criminal group has involved individuals skilled in computer technology, social media management, extortion-related software, and editing skills. They have collected and processed information about various individuals, including leaders of law enforcement agencies and judges, under Ghukasyan’s direction. This information was used to target private individuals, organizations, and state bodies through streaming content filled with insults and derogatory information.

The group allegedly sought to compel these entities to refrain from fulfilling their legal duties regarding the investigation of crimes committed by the organization, thereby ensuring the impunity of its members.

Moreover, the Public Voice party has been utilized as a cover to facilitate the organization’s influence on social, political, and economic decisions, creating the illusion of engaging in lawful profit-driven activities, such as a taxi service and a security service under the same name, while also conducting certain charitable actions.

In an attempt to facilitate the criminal organization's operation and avoid issues with law enforcement, Galstyan is reported to have recruited lawyers under the guise of a legal service. This served as a means to disguise or distort the criminal origin of property and material assets acquired through extortion and fraud.

Some members of the organization have established personal connections with officials from law enforcement and other state structures to obtain necessary information, including details regarding specific individuals and ongoing investigations.

The stability of the organization was allegedly maintained through the creation and activation of internal operational subdivisions and significant circulation of funds that still require clarification regarding their legality. A family member of one of the organization’s leaders has reportedly served as the organization's treasurer, holding property and cash in a bank safe deposit box under their name, thereby ensuring the security and confidentiality of the organization’s financial transactions.

Preliminary data have also been received regarding one member of the criminal group committing state treason, which has been forwarded to another preliminary investigation body for examination.

In summary, during extensive investigations, information has been gathered on over thirty instances of crimes allegedly committed by the criminal organization and its members, including extortions, fraud, money laundering, and contempt of court. These cases are under scrutiny within the framework of criminal proceedings.

Considering the evidence collected, which indicates the characteristics of establishing, leading, and participating in a criminal organization, the Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings under articles 318, part 1, and 319, part 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, and an investigation is underway.