Detained Armenian tycoon sues ruling party MPs over FSB accusations

Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan, currently in detention, has filed a defamation lawsuit against two lawmakers from the ruling Civil Contract party.

The case, listed on Armenia’s judicial portal, names MPs Arsen Torosyan and Hayk Konjoryan as defendants, Caliber.Az reports.

Karapetyan is demanding public apologies and a retraction of statements allegedly linking him to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and illicit economic activity.

In his claim, Karapetyan seeks 9 million drams (approximately $24,000) in damages from each MP, citing reputational harm and defamation. He is also requesting compensation for legal expenses.

Neither of the lawmakers has publicly responded to the lawsuit at this stage. The case adds to growing political tensions between Armenia's business elite and figures within the government.

Karapetyan, founder of the Tashir Group and Electricity Networks of Armenia, was arrested in Yerevan on June 18, 2025, following a police raid on his residence.

He has been charged under Part 2 of Article 422 of Armenia’s Criminal Code for allegedly making “public calls to seize power,” after publicly criticising the government’s actions against the Armenian Apostolic Church and warning that “if politicians fail … we will intervene in our own way.” A court later ordered his detention for two months pending trial.

His arrest has been widely described as politically motivated. Karapetyan’s legal team called the move unlawful, claiming it was aimed at silencing his vocal support for the Church.

By Aghakazim Guliyev