Armenian authorities investigate Garegin II for money laundering

Armenian authorities are reportedly preparing a new criminal case against Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, on allegations of money laundering.

The investigation centres on an apartment provided from the Echmiadzin Fund to Mane Kazaryan, the director of the church-affiliated TV channel Shoghakat, which was later sold, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Kazaryan has been questioned as a witness and confirmed that she was summoned to the Investigative Committee. She described the case as unfounded and unrelated to the activities of the television channel.

The Armenian Prosecutor’s Office has not issued an official comment.

Armenian authorities have intensified scrutiny of Catholicos Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, amid mounting tensions between the government and the church. The confrontation, which escalated throughout 2025, has centred on allegations of moral misconduct, financial irregularities, and political interference.

The dispute began in mid‑2025, when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly accused Garegin II of breaking his vow of celibacy and suggested that he should resign if the claims were confirmed. Pashinyan also outlined plans to reform the church’s governance, appoint an interim leader, and hold elections for a new patriarch.

In response, segments of the clergy rallied in support of Garegin II, warning against political interference in ecclesiastical affairs. The church has maintained that the Catholicos will not step down voluntarily.

Later in 2025, Armenian authorities expanded investigations to figures close to the church, including the detention of a supporter’s relatives and a high-profile businessman. In November, a group of senior bishops publicly called for “cleansing” Etchmiadzin of Garegin II, accusing him of shielding other officials amid ongoing scandals.

By Aghakazim Guliyev