Thirteen alleged members and associates of Armenian crime syndicates were arrested on Tuesday in a series of coordinated raids across the Los Angeles area and Florida. The arrests were part of an effort to dismantle the criminal operations of these syndicates, which are linked to the Russian mafia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed five federal complaints against the defendants, charging them with crimes including attempted murder, kidnapping, and thefts worth tens of millions of dollars.
The raids, conducted by federal authorities, led to the seizure of approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms. The defendants, including Ara Artuni and Robert Amiryan, are accused of engaging in a power struggle for control in the San Fernando Valley, resulting in multiple murder attempts and a kidnapping. Artuni is charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, while Amiryan faces charges of kidnapping.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the syndicate has been involved in various criminal activities, including bank and wire fraud, and cargo theft targeting online retailers like Amazon. The group allegedly stole goods valued at over $83 million from Amazon by diverting shipments.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and local police departments, collaborated in the operation. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the commitment to dismantling transnational criminal organizations, stating, “Our communities are not your playground to engage in violence and thuggery.”
One suspect remains at large, and those arrested face potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison if convicted. The operation is part of a broader initiative to combat organized crime in the United States.
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