Armenian businessman detained in Russia over alleged criminal ties
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 July 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Armenian businessman detained in Russia over alleged criminal ties, 16 July 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003dde5.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 16, 2014
By RFE/RL's Armenian Service
A wealthy Armenian businessman based in Russia has been detained over alleged links with a notorious Russian criminal gang, according to media reports.
The Rosbalt news agency said Levon Hayrapetian was detained at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport on July 15 as he was returning from Monaco.
Hayrapetian, a native of Azerbaijan's Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh region, is known for his investments and charity projects in that breakaway territory, including a grand wedding for 700 couples there in 2008.
He is believed to be one of the wealthiest Armenian businessmen in the world.
Rosbalt says he is suspected of having ties with a criminal gang led by Sergei Finagin, a notorious Russian crime figure.
Finagin's gang is alleged to have committed many contract killings and attempted assassinations in recent years.
Hayrapetian is to be formally charged in the next few days.
With reporting by Rosbalt
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
