Law enforcement officials in California and Florida have arrested 13 individuals allegedly linked to Armenian organized crime syndicates. These arrests are part of five federal complaints involving charges such as attempted murder, kidnapping, thefts from online retailers, and illegal firearm possession. The aim of these crimes was reportedly to expand and maintain control in the San Fernando Valley.
Among those charged is Ara Artuni, 41, from Porter Ranch, accused of attempted murder related to racketeering activities. Another individual, Robert Amiryan, 46, from Hollywood, faces kidnapping charges. Initial court appearances for the defendants arrested in California are scheduled for today and tomorrow at the United States District Court in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Vahan Harutyunyan from Hollywood, Florida has already appeared in Fort Lauderdale court and was detained. Two other defendants remain in state custody on unrelated charges.
Authorities continue to search for one suspect while having seized $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms during the operation.
Affidavits linked with the criminal complaints describe Armenian Organized Crime as a Russian mafia-affiliated group with significant operations centered in Los Angeles County. Since 2022, internal power struggles between local leaders within this organization have led to multiple violent incidents including murder attempts and kidnappings.
Artuni is accused of ordering an attempted murder against Amiryan during summer 2023. In retaliation, Amiryan allegedly orchestrated a kidnapping and torture of one of Artuni’s associates that June.
In addition to violent crimes, Artuni's group is suspected of engaging in bank fraud, wire fraud, and cargo theft targeting companies like Amazon.com Inc., resulting in over $83 million worth of stolen goods according to Amazon estimates. The group also allegedly conducted a "credit card bust-out" scheme defrauding credit card companies through fake business transactions.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated: “Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe by dismantling transnational criminal organizations.” HSI Los Angeles Acting Deputy Special Agent Dwayne Angebrandt emphasized their mission by stating: “Dismantling transnational criminal organizations is at the core of HSI’s mission.”
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell highlighted collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies saying: “Together we are sending a clear message: violence will not be tolerated in our communities.” Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero expressed gratitude towards partner agencies for their role in bringing these individuals to justice.
The allegations against each defendant must still be proven beyond reasonable doubt in court; they remain presumed innocent until then. If convicted on all counts however some face sentences ranging from ten years up-to life imprisonment under federal statutes.
Investigations into this matter involve several agencies including LAPD Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section; Burbank PD; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives among others alongside prosecution led by Assistant US Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop Kenneth R Carbajal Tara B Vavere supported by DOJ Criminal Division Violent Crime Racketeering Section providing substantial assistance throughout proceedings connected Operation Take Back America initiative focused combating illegal immigration cartel TCO activities nationwide ensuring community safety protection against violent crime perpetrators effectively leveraging DOJ resources collectively addressing these issues head-on nationally across board