Four Russians detained alongside mob boss Don Pipo, MP in Armenia
YEREVAN. June 16 (Interfax) - The Armenian National Security Service has detained Armenian parliamentary, retired general and chair of the Yerkrapa Volunteers Union Manvel Grigoryan and mob boss Artur Asatryan, known as Don Pipo, residing mostly in Russia and Italy.
Employees of the National Security Service conducted searches in the city of Echmiadzin 20 kilometers west from Yerevan as part of investigating two criminal cases and found large quantities of weapons and ammunition as a result, the press center for the National Security Service said.
During an investigation of a criminal case, the service obtained information that Don Pipo had plotted kidnapping persons, who planned an attempt on his life, it said. Searches at premises owned by Don Pipo were conducted as part of this case, large quantities of weapons were found.
Asatryan was detained. Four persons, who are Russian citizens, were detained alongside him, the press center said.
Searches were also conducted at lawmaker Grigoryan's house; large quantities of illegal weapons were found. Grigoryan was also detained.
Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Ara Babloyan was informed about his detention.
A large-scale rally in support of acting Echmiadzin Mayor Karen Grigoryan is taking place in the city since Saturday morning. He is parliamentarian Grigoryan's son.
Meanwhile, protest rallies demanding the mayor's resignation have taken place in the city in the past two days. Asatryan organized them.