Armenian authorities bust criminal group selling drugs via Telegram

Armenian law enforcement has uncovered a criminal organisation involved in the large-scale sale of narcotics through the messaging app Telegram.

The group was reportedly organised by inmate Z.G., who recruited multiple participants and assigned them specific roles, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

According to the Investigative Committee of Armenia, Z.G. created and managed various user accounts and online marketplaces on Telegram. Between July 2024 and July 2025, members of the group sold substantial quantities of drugs, including methamphetamine and marijuana. Investigators found that the organisation regularly purchased large drug shipments, which were then redistributed among other members.

To conceal the criminal origin of the proceeds, totalling at least 24,016,284 Armenian drams (around $62,900), Z.G. provided electronic wallets, bank card details, and accounts to buyers and organisation members. Remaining sums were then transferred back to Z.G. through withdrawals, transfers, and currency conversions.

Authorities have formally charged the suspects. Three individuals have been placed in pretrial detention, three are under house arrest, and one is under administrative supervision. The criminal case involving eight people has been submitted to the supervising prosecutor with an indictment.

By Vugar Khalilov