VIDEO: NSS Reveals New Illegal Activity

The National Security Service of Armenia has uncovered yet another case of illegal migration organization as a result of complex operational and investigative measures undertaken by its counterintelligence and investigative divisions.

A resident of the city of Ashtarak, identified as A.G., reached a preliminary agreement with S.P., the director of the 'SS Travel' tourist agency, and S.P.'s sister, L.P., to organize the illegal migration of Armenian citizens Z.M., A.M., A.M., E.M., and S.M. Following their criminal intentions, in June 2023, in exchange for a total of $20,000, they prepared legally significant documents, including fake birth and death certificates, evidencing rights and entitlements. These were presented to the embassy of a European country in Armenia by Z.M., A.M., A.M., E.M., and S.M. at the end of June 2023, leading to them receiving visas for entry into the 'Schengen Agreement countries' approximately ten days later.

A criminal case has been initiated within the NSS Investigation Division based on relevant articles of the Armenian Criminal Code. Public criminal prosecution has been launched against six individuals, with a travel prohibition imposed on five of them, and A.G. has been taken into custody for a period of two months.

During the preliminary investigation, searches were conducted in the residences of members of the criminal group involved in organizing illegal migration as well as in the 'SS Travel' tourist agency. This resulted in the discovery of pre-sealed forms from various organizations, fake stamps, documents, money paid for organizing illegal migration, and other items related to the commission of the crime.

The combination of circumstances revealed during the searches suggests that the criminal group has organized illegal migration for many more citizens to Europe and the USA in addition to the aforementioned five individuals.

The investigation continues, with necessary investigative actions and operational measures being carried out to clarify all circumstances of the case and identify all individuals involved within the criminal groups, applying legal measures against them.

The National Security Service of Armenia urges citizens planning to travel abroad to refrain from becoming involved in illegal migration processes, to avoid the use of false documents, and to refrain from paying large sums of money to those organizing these processes illegally.

At the same time, the NSS calls on all citizens who have been affected by the actions of this group to contact law enforcement agencies.