Officers of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of implementation of their functions to fight against crime, on 16 June 2018, on two different criminal cases simultaneously conducted searches in the town of Ejmiadzin, as a result of which big amount of weapons and ammunition kept illegally were found.
Within the framework of the criminal case investigated in the Investigation Directorate of the NSS of RA on the fact of possible kidnapping by Artur Asatryan (alias Don Pipo) of persons who had been preparing his assassination, searches were conducted in the private house belonging to Artur Asatryan, adjoining structures, other areas, as a result of which illegally kept weapons and ammunition were found. Artur Asatryan was subjected to detention and arrested on the suspicion of committing the crime envisaged by counts 1, 2, 3 and 6 of Article 131 of the RA Criminal Code (Kidnapping of three persons by a group of people in collusion, by inflicting violence dangerous for health, using a weapon or objects used as a weapon) and part 2 of Article 235 (Illegally obtaining, by a group of people in collusion, and keeping firearms and ammunition) . Another four persons, citizens of RF, were arrested within the same criminal case.
As a result of operative-search measures taken by the NSS of RA, data were obtained, according to which the deputy of the National Assembly of RA, president of Yerkrapah Volunteer Union Manvel Grigoryan, in collusion with other persons, illegally obtained and was keeping weapons and ammunition.
A criminal case was instituted in the Investigation Directorate of the NSS of RA, under part 2 of Article 235 of the RA Criminal Code. Within the framework of the case, searches were conducted in Manvel Grigoryan’s house, cottage and other areas belonging to him. Illegally kept weapons and ammunition in big amount were found.
Deputy of the National Assembly Manvel Grigoryan was subject to detention and arrested on the suspicion of committing the crime envisaged by part 2 of Article 235 of the RA Criminal Code (Illegally obtaining, by a group of people in collusion, and keeping firearms and ammunition). According to the order prescribed by Article 96 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the National Assembly of RA was immediately notified about the deprivation of liberty of a deputy of the National Assembly.
Detailed information will be shortly released about the process and results of the preliminary investigation of the criminal cases.

Note: The suspect or accused of an alleged crime is considered innocent as long as his guilt is not proven in a manner prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure of RA - by the court decision entered into legal force.