Media: Armenian prosecutors open criminal case against businessman Tsarukyan

A criminal case has been launched against the leader of the opposition Prosperous Armenia party, businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, Russia’s TASS news agency reports, citing the press service of Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

“The prosecutor has initiated a public criminal case against G. T. under Article 290, Part 3, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code,” the statement said.

Armenian law enforcement authorities traditionally refer to suspects only by initials, but Armenian media, including opposition outlets, say the case concerns Tsarukyan.

The Prosecutor General’s Office alleges that Tsarukyan evaded tax payments.

Gagik Tsarukyan is an Armenian businessman, politician, and former athlete who founded and leads the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), serving as one of the country's wealthiest oligarchs through his Multi Group Concern conglomerate spanning brewing, pharmaceuticals, cement, brandy production, hotels, and more.

He built his business empire starting in the 1990s, benefiting significantly from ties to former President Robert Kocharyan, including key state contracts and privatisations, and has long been involved in Armenian sports as president of the National Olympic Committee since 2004.

Tsarukyan has maintained close relations with Russia, consistently advocating for strengthened Armenia-Russia ties, emphasising alliances and the large Armenian diaspora in Russia while criticising policies that strain those relations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada