Weapons and Grenades Seized: Investigative Committee Comments on Arrest of Seven Individuals in Syunik

Seven individuals have been arrested in Syunik on suspicion of illegally acquiring, storing, and selling weapons and ammunition, two of whom were detained while attempting to sell firearms and military supplies.

This information has been provided by the press service of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

According to the Investigative Committee's statement, the arrests are linked to a previously initiated criminal investigation. "The investigation continues at the Goris investigative division of the Syunik regional investigative department concerning an incident where an individual from the Verishen community of Goris illegally acquired, stored, and aimed to sell weapons and ammunition with a group of individuals on August 24, 2023, as initiated under article 335, part 2 of the RA Criminal Code," the Committee stated.

The National Security Service has gathered information indicating that an additional seven individuals were involved in the criminal activities. They were arrested by NSS employees on September 6 and 7 and presented to the prosecuting authority. It is noted that two of the individuals were detained while trying to illegally sell firearms and military supplies.

The prosecuting authority has made decisions regarding the arrest of the aforementioned individuals. The Investigative Committee reports that inspections have been conducted at the crime scene, as well as searches in apartments and vehicles, and interviews have been carried out.

As a result of these operations, items seized include an "AK" type assault rifle, combat ammunition, grenades, grenade fuses, handguns, switchblades, various military equipment, and cannabis plants. Forensic and chemical expertise has been appointed.

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement seeks to clarify the sources and purposes of acquiring the weapons and ammunition.

It was previously reported that seven individuals were arrested in Syunik on September 6 and 7, including pro-Russian blogger Mika Badalyan and columnist Ashot Gevorgyan from Sputnik Armenia.