Armenian investigative committee confiscates three lions and a tiger from Gagik Tsarukyan's private zoo - video

The Investigative Committee (IC) of Armenia confiscated animals from the personal zoo and hunting trophies from the mansion of the head of the opposition party "Prosperous Armenia," businessman Gagik Tsarukyan.

"As part of the preliminary investigation of a criminal case initiated on illegal hunting of wild animals and birds, 190 stuffed animals and birds of various species were confiscated from Gagik Tsarukyan's house. Three lions and one tiger were also confiscated and sent to the Yerevan Zoo. The confiscated items have been recognized as material evidence. As a result of illegal hunting, damage to the environment amounted to 30 million drams," the Investigative Committee's press service stated.

The report notes that the remaining animals kept in Tsarukyan's zoo will also be confiscated.

The IC also stated that a group of persons led by Tsarukyan committed large-scale fraud and money laundering on an especially large scale from 2022 to 2024, stealing and illegally laundering more than $22 million from Iranian citizens, with whom they established a number of companies for importing vehicles, equipment, and fuel to Armenia.

Tsarukyan has been charged under articles of the criminal code providing for punishment for organizing fraud on an especially large scale and organizing money laundering on an especially large scale.

Meanwhile, 8 opposition parties in Armenia condemned the authorities' actions against Tsarukyan, stating that it was pressure for his political views, opposition activities, and political position.

The National Security Service of Armenia conducted searches from Monday morning at Tsarukyan's house and enterprises at 70 addresses. The searches lasted about 12 hours; all enterprises of the Multi Group concern owned by Tsarukyan have been closed and sealed.

The Armenian authorities have also initiated the process of nationalizing the country's largest cement production plant, which belongs to Tsarukyan.

Source: Interfax