Five Armenians Arrested in Glendale on Suspicion of Theft and Personal Data Theft

In Glendale, California, police have uncovered the activities of a group of individuals of Armenian descent suspected of mail theft, identity theft and fraud, according to city officials.

Five residents have been arrested as a result of an investigation conducted by the Glendale Police Department's Financial Crimes Division. The investigation was initiated following reports that unknown individuals were opening mailboxes at an apartment building located in the 500 block of Western Colorado Street and taking correspondence belonging to other residents.

During the investigation, detectives identified several suspects and linked them to specific apartments in the building. According to police, they were using other people's personal data to fraudulently obtain credit cards, which were then mailed to apartments within the same residential complex.

The investigation also revealed that the suspects interfered with the structure of the mailboxes; they damaged the keyholes and replaced them with so-called “mule locks,” allowing unauthorized access to residents' correspondence.

On August 13, detectives conducted multiple searches within the residential complex. As a result, five suspects were arrested, all of whom, according to police, are Glendale residents with Armenian names: 36-year-old Razmik Barseghyan, 27-year-old Robert Poghosyan, 35-year-old Vahan Kalashyan, 26-year-old Armen Haroutunyan, and 27-year-old Artyom Militonian.

During the searches, police discovered a significant amount of personal data belonging to other individuals, devices used to re-register data on bank cards, cash, gold, and numerous credit cards. The police continue their investigation to determine the full extent of the fraud scheme and to identify other possible victims whose personal data may have been used to create fraudulent credit cards or commit other crimes.

The case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.