VIDEO: Another Criminal Group Organizing Illegal Migration Uncovered

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia, in collaboration with the Yerevan City Directorate and the investigative department, has conducted a series of operational-investigative measures and investigative actions resulting in a sufficient combination of evidence. This evidence indicates that several individuals engaged in tourism activities have conspired to organize the illegal migration of around two dozen citizens of the Republic of Armenia to foreign countries for profit. They used forged documents and information to obtain appropriate entry permissions into foreign states.

During the preliminary investigation, searches were conducted at the residences of the members of the criminal group involved in organizing illegal migration, as well as at travel agencies. These actions resulted in the discovery of devices and equipment intended for the production of fake documents, passports of citizens, clearly forged documents necessary for organizing illegal migration, and other items intended for committing the crime.

The preliminary investigation has also identified the citizens of the Republic of Armenia who illegally left or attempted to leave the territory through travel companies. These individuals and their relatives provided testimonies describing the actions of the persons involved in the criminal scheme and shared information regarding the amounts of monetary transfers received or promised.

Based on direct suspicion of committing a crime, a total of five individuals have been arrested, with motions submitted to the court for three of them to choose detention as a preventive measure.

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia reiterates that under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, organizing illegal migration may result in imprisonment for up to eight years and warns that the Service will continue its work on preventing such crimes and fully uncovering them.

Notice: The suspected or accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court verdict.