Bank Heist: 80 Million Rubles Stolen

An alert regarding an attack on a bank branch was received at the Police Operational Management Center at 16:27 on July 15. Officers and patrols from the Criminal Police of the Lori Regional Department and the Community Police Department of Taron rushed to the Vanadzor bank branch.

Here’s what happened: At approximately 15:50, a 33-year-old male bank customer entered the branch, ascended to the second floor, entered a workspace area, and stole a sealed bag intended for cash collection, containing 80 million rubles.

The bank's security guard and another customer pursued him. When the 33-year-old tried to get into his Mercedes car after crossing Grigor Lusavorich Street, the pursuers caught up to him. A scuffle ensued, during which the assailant sprayed tear gas in the faces of those chasing him.

Ultimately, the security guard and the assisting citizen managed to wrest the sealed bag from the attacker, after which he fled in his vehicle.

The same day, a criminal case was initiated in the Lori Regional Investigative Department for the attempted robbery of especially large sums. As a result of actions taken by the Lori criminal police, the Mercedes was discovered on July 21 on Zaravar Andranik Street in Vanadzor. A search of the vehicle revealed a canister of tear gas and a gas pistol loaded with five bullets hidden in a compartment.

Following further actions, on July 23, the 33-year-old man came to the Criminal Police Department of the Lori Regional Department, was arrested, and presented to the prosecuting authority. The next day, a court ruling placed him under house arrest.