Group Operating under Criminal Subculture Uncovered; Several Individuals Arrested
The Investigative Committee (IC) reports that a group of individuals created and led an association that adhered to a criminal subculture, engaging in the “clarification” of disputes and the collection of debts through the use of violence.
The Investigative Committee found that the group adhering to a criminal subculture was formed with a clear hierarchy. One of the group’s leaders used his influence to attempt to resolve private monetary disputes not through legal means but through “criminal clarification.” By his instruction, the group organized the repayment of debts through pressure, threats, and even violence.
It is noted that the group intervened in a case where an individual had accumulated a debt of around $150,000 USD. One member of the group undertook to “close” the dispute between July 20-25 but did not fulfill the promise. Subsequently, the leader, with the aim of preserving his own authority, instructed another member to use force against him. As a result, the latter committed violence, causing bodily harm.
Other cases have also been uncovered. Another member of the group intervened in a debt issue amounting to 25 million Drams between a businessman and a resident of Hrazdan. A part of the amount was returned, and in exchange, the group member was provided with illegal remuneration. In yet another case, to secure the repayment of a debt, an individual invited the debtor to his home and subjected him to prolonged violence, demanding the debt be settled.
The Investigative Committee reports that public criminal prosecution has been initiated against several individuals under articles related to forming, leading, or participating in a criminal subculture. They have been arrested, and searches have been carried out at 10 addresses. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.