Transnational crime syndicate uncovered in Armenia: NSS

Large scale investigative and tacticalintelligence operations of the National Security Service uncovered a criminal group comprised of Armenian and Russian citizens who were engaged in fraud and grand theft using computer devices, the NSS told.

According to preliminary information, the individuals of the criminal group registered three trading companies in Armenia – under the false pretext of running hotel and restaurant businesses – and later acquired POS terminals for credit payments.

With the purpose of carrying out fraud, one of the criminals who was in Russia contacted his accomplices in Armenia and sent the credit card info of several Australian citizens – the 16 digit numbers, date of validity and passwords. Having the necessary data, the criminals entered SIM cards into the device, connected it to a computer, and transferred large amounts of money from the Australian citizens’ accounts to their accounts of the fraudulent companies registered earlier.

The transaction was made under the pretext for hotel and restaurant services. During August-December 2016, the criminals took over 85 million drams from the Australian accounts, 58 million AMD was cashed out, however they failed to cash the remainder.

The National Security Service has uncovered and eliminated the criminal group. Five people have been charged. Three are remanded in custody. Currently the NSS is cooperating with law enforcement agencies of foreign countries to identify and apprehend other possible accomplices.

Notice – Suspect is innocent until proven guilty by the Court of Law.