Armenian Tycoon’s Yerevan Home Raided by Security Agents Hours After He Slams Pashinyan’s Government

Armenian-Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, head of the Tashir Group, openly criticized Armenia’s ruling authorities in a recent interview. Almost immediately, he faced backlash from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government, culminating in a National Security Service (NSS) raid on his home in Yerevan.

Karapetyan accused some government officials of ignoring the interests of the Armenian people and failing to act on important national security issues. One of his main points was the ongoing situation of Armenian political prisoners held by Azerbaijan. He described the government’s response as indifferent and inactive.

He also raised concerns about recent government contracts, questioning their openness and fairness. He warned that a climate of fear was growing for anyone who dared to speak out against the official state narratives. His powerful words included a clear message: “Armenia is losing its sovereignty not only territorially, but morally. Silence is complicity.”

Only hours after the interview was published, Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the National Assembly, issued a firm response. Simonyan said that no one, regardless of their wealth or connections, stands above the law or national institutions. He stressed that public figures must act with responsibility.

Simonyan hinted that investigations were already in progress related to “dubious business practices,” and warned that the government would not be intimidated by wealthy businessmen using media platforms to influence public opinion.

Members of the ruling Civil Contract party also spoke out. MP Vahagn Aleksanyan told Karapetyan to focus on answering questions from authorities instead of making political speeches. MP Maria Karapetyan accused him of trying to destabilize trust in public institutions and called for closer monitoring of business leaders who engage in political statements.

Later that same day, agents from the NSS arrived at Karapetyan’s home in Yerevan. Witnesses saw several luxury cars taken away, and officers in plain clothes entering the property carrying official papers.

The NSS has not publicly stated the exact reasons for the raid but said it is part of an ongoing investigation related to Armenia’s economic and security interests. Unofficial reports suggest that Karapetyan is being questioned about possible misuse of funds, offshore transactions, and illegal lobbying.

Russia has been closely watching the situation. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, told RIA Novosti that they are closely monitoring Karapetyan’s situation as he is being threatened by arrest under strange reasons. 

Karapetyan himself commented on the attempted arrest, saying it was meant as a public spectacle. He praised the ordinary people who gathered outside his home and resisted the authorities.

In addition, 45 people were detained near Karapetyan’s residence during the events, as citizens chose to show up in support of him. This information was reported by Karapetyan’s brother, Karen Karapetyan.

Karapetyan’s criticism and the government’s immediate repressive response show that democracy in Armenia is under serious threat. The coming weeks will be critical in seeing how this case develops and what impact it will have on the country’s political dynamics. 

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