Armenian authorities move to seize shopping mall from opposition leader

Armenian authorities are preparing to seize the Arinj Mall shopping centre, owned by businessman and opposition politician Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia party.

The reported move follows inspections by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) at several businesses linked to Tsarukyan's Multi Group conglomerate, as authorities continue to scrutinise the billionaire's commercial holdings, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

According to the reports, the SRC carried out inspections not only at Arinj Mall but also at individual retail outlets operating within the shopping centre. More than two dozen retailers were reportedly fined 600,000 Armenian drams (approximately $1,600) each.

Alik Nazaryan, director of Arinj Mall, confirmed that SRC officials conducted inspections at the complex and seized documents, as well as data stored on computers and other electronic devices.

By Sabina Mammadli