Arsenal, luxury cars seized from former Sochi judge linked to organized crime PHOTO/VIDEO

Authorities in Sochi have uncovered a substantial arsenal, luxury vehicles, and collectible items in the residence of a retired judge Valery Sluka, who is suspected of acting on behalf of Sochi’s shadow king, Ruben Tatulyan, TV channel 112 reports.

On January 28, a criminal case was initiated against Sluka, a former judge of the Central District Court of Sochi. His judicial powers had previously been terminated early by the Krasnodar Regional Board of Judges. Sluka is suspected of committing seven criminal offenses, including issuing knowingly illegal rulings. He was apprehended in Vladikavkaz while reportedly planning to flee to Georgia.

Investigators say that many of Sluka’s rulings were made to benefit Tatulyan, also known as Robson. During his tenure, the former judge allegedly issued seven illegal decisions to seize land plots from Sochi residents and is believed to have worked with other criminal figures. These offenses were committed between 2021 and 2022, a period when Tatulyan was investing in hotel real estate. Although he reportedly provided legal assistance to local “thieves-in-law,” Tatulyan has denied any links to organized crime.

Searches of Sluka’s home revealed an array of weapons, including bayonets, collectible daggers, a camouflage-painted hunting crossbow, an AK-style carbine, and a firearm resembling a German Schmeisser MP40 submachine gun. Luxury vehicles, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota Land Cruiser, were also seized. Notably, operatives found a replica of calligraphy by artist Pokras Lampas on the judge’s indoor balcony, inscribed with the phrase “Modern Dairy Culture.”

By Vafa Guliyeva