Armenian businessman charged in foiled assassination plot against opposition leader

Armenian law enforcement authorities have disclosed details of an alleged assassination attempt targeting Aram Sargsyan, chairman of the Republic Party, implicating a local businessman in the plot.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has brought formal charges against Stepan Samvelyan, who is accused of preparing to assassinate Sargsyan in July, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Investigators allege that Samvelyan acquired and illegally possessed an F-1 fragmentation grenade, equipped with a UZRGM fuse, with the intention of using it in the assassination. Unable to determine Sargsyan’s place of residence, Samvelyan reportedly began surveilling the area surrounding the Republic Party's headquarters in Yerevan. He is said to have made multiple visits to nearby locations in an attempt to track the opposition leader's movements.

The assassination plot was reportedly thwarted before it could be carried out. Law enforcement officials detained Samvelyan and subsequently discovered the grenade during a search of his residence.

A criminal case has been initiated against him on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of explosives. The indictment has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office, and Samvelyan has been placed under arrest pending further legal proceedings.

By Vafa Guliyeva