The Armenian Investigative Committee has concluded the preliminary investigation into the kidnapping of former MP Khachatur Korkobelyan’s father, an 84-year-old resident of Aghajur village in Tavush Province. The case involves the active participation of former MP and ARF member Suren Manukyan, along with an Iranian citizen and several others.
The investigation revealed that Suren Manukyan played a key role in organizing the abduction and extortion scheme. He, along with an Iranian accomplice and other members of the criminal group, conspired to kidnap the elderly man and demand a $3 million ransom from his family.
On July 27, 2022, the criminal group, led by Manukyan, kidnapped the victim from outside his home in Aghajur. He was taken to a rented guesthouse in the village of Tsater in Lori Province, where he was held until August 2, 2022. The group used cryptocurrency wallets and a foreign virtual phone number to demand the ransom via the WhatsApp messaging app, attempting to cover their tracks.
Threats were also made against Korkobelyan’s other family members, further pressuring him to comply. After negotiations, the group agreed to release the elderly man for $200,000. Once the first payment was transferred via cryptocurrency, the victim was freed on August 2. The remaining amount was subsequently paid under similar conditions.
The investigation revealed that Manukyan was directly involved in planning and executing the kidnapping and extortion. The Iranian citizen, another key member of the group, is also accused of facilitating the crime by setting up cryptocurrency wallets and obtaining a foreign phone number. Both individuals have been charged under the Armenian Criminal Code and remain in custody.
The case has been forwarded to the court with a prosecutorial recommendation. The Investigative Committee confirmed that additional inquiries are ongoing to identify other members of the criminal group and collect further evidence.
This case highlights the increasing use of cryptocurrency in criminal activities and underscores the need for stricter monitoring by law enforcement agencies. It also raises serious concerns about organized crime in Armenia and the mechanisms for combating such activities.
