A Major Federal Bust Targets Armenian Organized Crime in Los Angeles
In a dramatic early morning operation, federal authorities arrested 13 individuals linked to an Armenian organized crime syndicate in Los Angeles. This operation culminated in serious charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal firearm possession, bank and wire fraud, alongside a staggering $80 million in online cargo theft.
Operation Details and Locations
The operation was spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security, with cooperation from local police departments. Early on a Tuesday morning, law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at several locations in Southern California and Florida, focusing on a residence in Sun Valley. Eyewitness accounts describe SWAT teams from the Burbank and Azusa police departments surrounding the area, creating a tense atmosphere as AIR7, affiliated with ABC7 Eyewitness News, filmed the unfolding scene.
The Scale of Criminal Activities
Federal prosecutors revealed that this organized crime group has been deeply involved in various illicit activities. Among the most significant accusations is their operation of a cargo theft ring that allegedly stole $83 million worth of merchandise from online retail giant Amazon. This theft represents a substantial hit to the company as well as to legitimate businesses relying on secure supply chains.
In addition to the theft, the criminals reportedly carried out serious offenses, including multiple attempted murders and kidnappings, displaying a ruthless willingness to use violence to protect and expand their criminal empire.
Statements from Officials
U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that this group operated with "the structure and brutality of an international cartel," causing significant harm to public safety and legitimate commerce. In conjunction with the raids, law enforcement reportedly seized approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms, underscoring the serious nature and scale of the criminal operations.
Community Reactions and Insights
Residents in the vicinity of the targeted home expressed a mix of surprise and confirmation regarding the area’s suspicious activities. Neighbors observed frequent comings and goings from the house, painting a picture of a location rife with potential illegal dealings. Witnesses recalled the dramatic early morning entry by the investigators, marked by loud noises as they forced entry into the site.
Criminal Profile of the Syndicate
Armenian organized crime is known for its international reach, and in Los Angeles County, this particular syndicate has established a significant presence. Known locally as "avtoritet," or "authority" in Russian, the organization is reportedly involved in a tumultuous power struggle, leading to multiple violent confrontations, including failed murder attempts and kidnapping incidents.
Arrested Individuals
The individuals arrested during this operation were charged with a variety of serious crimes, raising concerns about their impact on the community. Key figures amongst those arrested include:
- Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch, charged with attempted murder linked to racketeering activities.
- Robert Amiryan, 46, of Hollywood, charged with kidnapping, notably in rivalry with Artuni.
- Vahan Harutyunyan, 50, of Hollywood, Florida, who appeared in a federal court and faces detention.
- Levon Arakelyan, 45, of Las Vegas, already detained on unrelated matters.
- Ivan Bojorquez, 33, of Gardena, also held on unrelated charges.
Artuni is accused of orchestrating a failed attempt on Amiryan’s life in mid-2023 after Amiryan allegedly conspired to kidnap one of Artuni’s associates.
Innovative Criminal Techniques
The U.S. Attorney’s office outlined the operational methods employed by this crime syndicate, which included enrolling with Amazon to pose as legitimate carriers for trucking routes. They would then divert from designated paths to steal shipments, demonstrating a sophisticated level of planning and execution typical of organized crime. Furthermore, the group engaged in a "credit card bust-out" scheme, exploiting credit card systems to fraudulently drain funds from counterfeit businesses before financial institutions could intervene.
Legal Implications
The legal ramifications for those arrested are dire. If convicted, they face extensive prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life, reflecting the serious nature of their alleged crimes. Federal authorities continue to pursue one additional suspect connected to this sprawling criminal network, indicating that the investigation is ongoing.
In summary, the arrests serve as a stark reminder of the complex and deeply rooted nature of organized crime, particularly within the transnational crime framework represented by this Armenian syndicate in Los Angeles. The gravity of their activities and the potential implications for both local and national security highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in regulating organized crime.
