One of Yerevan's Notorious 'Thieves-in-Law' Charged

The Investigation Committee of the Republic of Armenia has found several circumstances during the preliminary investigation of a criminal case initiated for the creation and leadership of a criminal group. Charges have been brought against four individuals. This information was reported by the press service of the RA Investigative Committee.

The investigation revealed that a person known by the nickname “Alo Shahumyan” has been a member of a criminal group endowed with a hierarchical relationship based on criminal rank and interpersonal interactions, and has continued to maintain a high status within the criminal hierarchy of a ‘thief-in-law’ since February 22, 2020. He has led this criminal group through the use of his illegal influence, giving assignments to members of the group to resolve a personal dispute.

In turn, various individuals who are members of the criminal group, upon receiving and executing assignments directed towards the realization of the group's goals from “Alo Shahumyan,” have participated in the criminal organization.

Specifically, the investigation found that an inmate from the “Armavir” penitentiary requested help regarding a debt from the ‘thief-in-law’ known as “Alo Shahumyan,” who used his illegal influence to delegate the matter to an associate, who then involved others held in the penitentiary to fulfill the task.

As a result, by receiving and executing the commands from “Alo Shahumyan,” these individuals participated in the criminal group and were also involved in achieving its pursued objectives. Based on sufficient evidence collected, the person known as “Alo Shahumyan,” who holds a high status in the criminal hierarchy, has been charged under Article 223.2 (Creating or leading a criminal group) of the RA Criminal Code, while the other members of the group have been charged under Article 223.3 (Participating in or involving in a criminal group), points 1 and 5 of part 3, as well as part 1 of Article 223.3 and point 1 of part 3 of Article 223.3. The preliminary investigation of the criminal case has concluded.