Armenian oligarch’s mansion raid ends with three lions and tiger seized VIDEO

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has launched a new criminal case against businessman and Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan following searches at his residence and businesses over alleged illegal hunting of wild animals and birds.

However, no formal charges have yet been filed against Tsarukyan over this particular episode.

During searches conducted at more than 70 locations, law enforcement officers seized 190 taxidermied animals and birds and discovered three lions and one tiger. The animals were recognised as material evidence and transferred to the Yerevan Zoo. Investigators estimate that the environmental damage caused by the alleged illegal hunting exceeded $81,000.

Tsarukyan was detained on July 6 and taken to Armenia’s Investigative Committee. After more than five hours of questioning, he was brought before the Yerevan First Instance Court, where the issue of a preventive measure is being considered. The politician said the accusations against him were “completely fabricated.”

According to the Investigative Committee, Tsarukyan has also been charged with organising large-scale fraud and money laundering. Investigators claim that between 2022 and 2024, a group led by him created joint companies involving Iranian citizens under the pretext of developing trade and economic ties between Armenia and Iran, and later carried out a fraud scheme that caused more than $21 million in damage to the state.

The committee said participants in the alleged scheme acquired vehicles, specialised equipment, fuel, and other goods under the guise of organising logistics operations, then simulated business activities and used forged documents to misappropriate assets. Investigators also claim that part of the funds was laundered through fictitious transactions and integrated into legitimate financial circulation.

As part of the investigation, authorities seized computers, electronic data storage devices, and other equipment belonging to Tsarukyan’s companies. His hotels in Tsaghkadzor — Multi Rest, Multi Rest Resort, Multi Rest Sky, and Multi Grand — were also sealed.

Dozens of companies belonging to the Multi Group Concern have suspended operations, with around 7,000 employees sent on forced leave.

By Jeyhun Aghazada