Criminal Group Uncovered: Criminal Proceedings Launched Against 8 Individuals

The investigation department of the Lori regional investigative committee of Armenia has revealed a particularly large-scale theft committed by a criminal organization during the course of a criminal proceeding.

During the preliminary investigation, it was established that members of the criminal organization traveled to one of the communities in Spitak on March 3, 2026, unlawfully entered a home, and committed a particularly large-scale theft. As a result of extensive investigative measures planned and conducted during the preliminary investigation, the identity of another member of the criminal organization was also revealed. This individual, who had a close relationship with the victim, had previously learned that the victim would celebrate their birthday elsewhere, as well as details about the presence of money, valuable jewelry, and other items in the victim's apartment. He provided this information to the members of the criminal organization, indicated the location of the apartment in the days leading up to the incident, and had pre-selected potential escape routes.

Simultaneous searches conducted in the residences of the members of the criminal organization, as well as in the vehicles they used, resulted in the discovery of part of the stolen property, as well as tools and items intended for committing residential burglary, opening apartment doors, and establishing communication with one another.

During the preliminary investigation of the criminal case, public criminal proceedings were initiated against 8 individuals, of whom 7 were charged under Articles 254 (Part 3, Points 2 and 4) of the Criminal Code (the particularly large-scale theft committed by unlawfully entering a residence) and Article 338 (Part 2, Points 1 and 4) (the theft of firearms, their main components, military munitions, explosives, or explosive devices committed by a group of individuals in prior agreement), while 1 individual was charged under Articles 46-254 (Part 3, Points 2 and 4) (assisting in a particularly large-scale theft) and 46-338 (Part 2, Points 1 and 4) (assisting in the theft of firearms, their main components, military munitions, explosives, or explosive devices committed by a group of individuals in prior agreement).

Preventive measures in the form of arrest have been applied to 7 individuals, while 1 has been placed under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the premises.

Information has also been received during the investigation indicating that the members of the criminal organization had previously committed different crimes. Necessary investigative actions are being carried out to reveal the acts committed by the criminal organization and to provide a legal assessment.