As was previously reported, on 23 May 2017 the criminal case was initiated related to the preparation of murder of Artur Onik Asatryan, known as Don Pipo, citizen of RA and RF. Four people were suspected in this crime, and in the initial stage of preliminary investigation 3 of them stated that on 21 May 2017 they were kidnapped and illegally kept in different premises of Etchmiadzin city, where they were beaten and forced to name the person, who hired them.
On 1 June 2017 new criminal case has been initiated in connection with the kidnapping of aforementioned individuals. During the preliminary investigation some facts were obtained confirming their kidnapping, including a video material, found in the phone of kidnapped person, showing the kidnappers making threats and demanding to name the one who ordered the killing. Тhe questions were addressed from person called Pipo.
The authority conducting the case related to aforementioned kidnapped persons suspected in the preparation of murder, several times offered them to give detailed testimony on the circumstances of kidnapping, its perpetrators and organizers, but for unknown reason they refrained from giving testimony and participating in investigative activities.
Despite this, after sending to court the part of the case with indictment related to the preparation of murder, investigative activities continued related to the part of kidnapping and respective operational measures were taken as well. As a result of this measures on 16 June 2018 during the search conducted in the house of Artur Asatryan in Etchmiatsin large amount of illegally kept weapons and ammunition were found: two AK-74 assault rifles charged with 56 bullets, 7.62 mm TT pistol, 9mm PM pistol charged with 8 bullets, 9mm APS pistol charged with 10 bullets, two 9mm Beretta pistols charged with 39 bullets, one Colt revolver.
Artur Asatryan was detained and arrested on suspicion of committing a crime under Article 131, points 1,2,3 and 6 (kidnapping of 3 people by a group of persons with prior agreement, using violence dangerous for health and using weapons or items used as weapons) and Article 235, paragraph 2 (illegal procurement or keeping of weapons and ammunition by a group with prior agreement). Four other people, citizens of Russia and probably Asatryan’s bodyguards, who with prior agreement with him illegally kept the found weapons and ammunition, were also detained within the same criminal case.
The authority conducting the case hopes that kidnapped persons will give a detailed testimony on the incident to ensure the thoroughness, fullness and objectivity of the case.