Part of Stolen Church Items Sold; Two Men Arrested

In the last two weeks, the National Police's 112 operational management center received reports of thefts occurring at various churches and chapels across the republic. Items such as crosses, chalices, incense burners, and other church paraphernalia were stolen.

Operational information received at the Ashtarak Community Police Department was shared with the Main Directorate of Community Police, as well as with the departments and patrols of Artashat, Ararat, and Armavir. As a result of the operational and investigative measures undertaken, it was revealed that the thefts from the churches and chapels were carried out by two men, aged 30 and 38, from the city of Armavir.

On August 14, at approximately 16:50, they were discovered in the area of Shahumyan village on the Yerevan-Yeraskh road. They were arrested on suspicion of committing the theft and were transported to the Artashat department along with their Nissan vehicle, which was placed in a secured area.

It was also found that the men had managed to sell part of the stolen items. The remaining stolen goods were discovered in an obvious visible part of the vehicle. The prepared documents have been submitted to the investigative body. Circumstances are being clarified.