Armenia dismantles armed criminal group plotting murders

An armed criminal group that had been preparing a series of killings has been uncovered and dismantled in Armenia, the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.

According to Armenian media cited by Caliber.Az, officers from the Main Directorate of the Criminal Police, together with the Lori Regional Police Department, carried out large-scale joint operational and investigative actions that led to the exposure of the group.

Investigators established that the suspects had formed a criminal organisation, illegally obtained firearms and ammunition, and were planning murders. The group had also already carried out an armed robbery and a number of apartment burglaries.

Law enforcement said the group intervened in personal and financial disputes involving various individuals, contacting figures described as holding the highest status of “criminal authority.” Members of the group also participated in gatherings and activities of organisations linked to the criminal subculture.

A criminal case has been launched, and the suspects have been charged with preparing to commit murder, attempted murder, participation in a group associated with the criminal subculture, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, hooliganism, armed robbery, theft, destruction or damage of property, and drug trafficking.

Public criminal prosecution has been initiated against 10 members of the criminal group. A preliminary investigation is ongoing.

By Tamilla Hasanova