Former Armenian intelligence chief faces questioning Over 2015 Nork Marash coup plot

Investigators in Yerevan questioned Mikael Ambartsumyan, former acting director of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) and ex-head of its Investigative Department, in connection with the so-called Nork Marash armed group case.

The interrogation took place in connection with a criminal case involving the so-called Nork Marash armed group and was conducted as a face-to-face confrontation, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

The investigation claims that in 2015–2016, certain members of the group were allegedly pressured while in NSS custody, resulting in testimony that implicated the accused. As Ambartsumyan led the Investigative Department at the time, authorities deemed it necessary to question him.

Asked for comment, Ambartsumyan said: “I am glad that there are still honest people who do not engage in slander or lies for personal gain.” The newspaper suggested that his statement indirectly confirmed that the confrontation had indeed taken place. It also reported that evidence obtained during the proceedings contradicted any allegations against him.

It remains unclear whether the case involves deliberate pressure or an impartial investigative process.

The Nork Marash armed group was a criminal organisation led by Arthur Vardanyan, exposed in Yerevan, Armenia, in November 2015. The group planned to topple the government through attacks on strategic buildings and targeted killings of officials, possibly including the president.

Armenian National Security Service (NSS) foiled the plot by raiding their base in the Nork Marash district, confiscating a significant arsenal of illegal weapons, and arresting more than 30 people, among them former officials such as ex-Deputy Defence Minister Vahan Shirkhanyan. 

The crackdown led to high-profile trials and convictions for forming a criminal gang and possessing illegal arms.

By Aghakazim Guliyev