Son of Armenian mayor detained in extortion case

Armenian authorities have detained Spartak Gukasyan, the son of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Gukasyan, on September 11, following a decision by an investigator, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced.

The Investigative Committee confirmed that criminal proceedings have been launched under Article 258 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which covers extortion through coercion and carries a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. The suspect has been taken into custody while the preliminary investigation continues, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

Media suggests the detention may be linked to Gukasyan’s involvement in the court case of Archbishop Mikael Adzhapakhyan, head of the Shirak diocese, who is facing charges of inciting the overthrow of Armenia’s government.

By Sabina Mammadli