Russian authorities uncover diamond smuggling operation to Armenia

Russian security services have uncovered a major diamond theft and smuggling operation involving employees of ALROSA, the country’s state-controlled diamond mining giant, with stolen gems allegedly trafficked to Armenia.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported on June 23 that four suspects — an ALROSA employee, her son, and two alleged smugglers — have been arrested in Moscow. The group is accused of systematically stealing high-quality rough diamonds from ALROSA with the intent to illegally sell and smuggle them abroad, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

According to the FSB, the operation was led by Valentina Matyushchenkova, an ALROSA employee who carried out the thefts, and her son, Alexei Matyushchenkov, both Russian citizens. They allegedly worked with two associates — Armen Petrosyan and Arman Sahakyan, citizens of Russia and Armenia — who were responsible for smuggling the diamonds across the border and swapping high-quality stones with cheaper substitutes to cover their tracks.

The suspects were caught in the act while attempting to steal a batch of diamonds valued at more than 1.7 million rubles (approximately $21,600).

Authorities believe the masterminds behind the smuggling network are two Armenian brothers, A.A. Bagikyan and A.A. Bagikyan, who are currently on the international wanted list for diamond smuggling. The FSB claims the stolen diamonds were sent to ADM Diamond LLC in Armenia, a company reportedly linked to Armenian businessman and National Assembly deputy Sukiasyan H.A.

Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, confirmed that a criminal case has been opened under charges of large-scale theft and illegal trafficking of precious stones. A Moscow court has ordered the suspects to remain in detention during the investigation.

During searches of the suspects’ properties, investigators seized approximately 200,000 carats of low-grade industrial diamonds intended to replace the stolen gems, along with large sums of cash and luxury jewellery from leading international brands.

By Sabina Mammadli