In the scope of the joint proceedings of numerous criminal cases initiated during 2000-2001, the Division of Grave Crime Investigation of the Investigative Department of Yerevan City found out and substantiated the evidence of committing numerous grave and particularly grave crimes by the criminal gang.

 

In particular, in 2000-2001 Ashot Zatikyan formed and headed a criminal group, in which was initially involved G. Machanyan, a resident of Echmiatsin city, at the same time taking part in all crimes committed by the gang. Many people who were involved in the criminal group were previously convicted for illegal use of drug, extortion, theft, willfully committed murder, robbery and other crimes.

 

The apartments rented by A. Zatikyan, the area of ​​the "Yerevan-Vayk" minibus taxi station at the district called "Part 1" of Yerevan city, where two gang members worked as drivers were used as gathering place for the gang.

 

A. Zatikyan acquired and used a police uniform while committing the crime, prepared a police officer's certificate, and while committing the majority of crimes, introduced himself as a police officer, embezzling the title of official.

 

A number of gang members have also been instructed to provide tools and other means for committing crimes. In particular, some members of the group were asked to use their personal cars, which were provided to the members of the group as a means for committing crimes. Besides, state number plates were initially prepared and used in the stages of specific crimes, which were stolen and provided to the gang.

 

A. Zatikyan had worked out plans of committing crimes, allocating roles among gang members, headed all criminal activities and specific crimes, and undertook measures to ensure the secrecy of the existence of the gang and the criminal activities.

 

A. Zatikyan and G. Machanyan illegally acquired, carried and kept members of the group armed with firearms and knives. During 2000-2001 they organized and carried out attack and robberies, as well as the attempted murder of two people, including a police officer, in connection with the official activities of two individuals, including the public, in the aggravating circumstances.

 

The targets of the attacks were chosen petrol stations, currency exchange offices, as well as individuals involved in gold trading and currency exchange, who were subjected to various forms of violence. In total, 35 people were damaged in the result of the gang's criminal acts.

 

At the same time, the head of the group together with the main actors, organized and carried out measures to prevent the detection of crimes, to hide partners in crime, traces, criminally obtained objects, tools and means of committing a crime.

 

The separated parts of the criminal case against Ashot Zatikyan and 9 members of gang were sent to the court with indictments at different times. In the result of the trials, the latter were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment and Ashot Zatikyan was sentenced to life imprisonment.

 

On October 27, 2001, custody was chosen as preventive measure against G. Machanyan, one of the gang leaders, and T. Khachatryan, one of the gang members, they were wanted. They were later found and brought against the preliminary investigation body. In the result, G. Machanyan was finally charged on March 2, 2020, under Article 104, Part 2, Points 1, 2, 6, 8 of the RA Criminal Code and Article 222, Part 2 and final charge was filed against T. Khachatryan on April 3, 2020 under Article 222, Part 2 of the RA Criminal Code, and Article 329, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code (3 episodes).

 

In the result of the criminal acts of the mentioned people, material damage with 33.5 million AMD was caused to the victims. Property registered in their name was seized.

 

Preliminary investigation against G. Machanyan and T. Khachatryan has been completed, the prosecutor supervising the legality of the preliminary investigation of the criminal case has confirmed the indictment against them, and the criminal case has been sent to the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan for examination on the merits.

 

The investigation of the case regarding the separated part on those people not identified yet and still wanted, accused involved in the attacks of the gang is still underway.