Sochi crime boss Ruben Tatulyan detained in Armenia But was released later

Ruben Tatulyan, known in Russia’s criminal circles as the “Shadow King” of Sochi and wanted on charges of fraud and organising a criminal community, has been detained in Armenia.

The source said Tatulyan was detained on November 7 and taken to the police station, but was later released, Caliber.Az reports, citing Telegram channel 112.

The channel noted that the businessman holds Armenian citizenship.

On November 25, 2024, Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Tatulyan under the article “Creation of a Criminal Community.” Known by his alias “Robson,” Tatulyan allegedly established a criminal empire in 1998, personally recruiting and arming gang members.

The multi-tiered organised crime group reportedly engaged in extortion, raiding, and robbery, including the seizure of the Vesna guesthouse through threats to life. Tatulyan reportedly left Russia after 2017 due to the initiation of criminal proceedings against him.

By Khagan Isayev