Simultaneous searches are being conducted at more than 70 addresses within the framework of more than a dozen criminal proceedings being investigated by the Investigative Committee of Armenia. The latter informed this to Armenian News-NEWS.am, referring to the search being conducted at the house of opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) chairman—and business—tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan and dozens of companies owned by his family.

According to press reports, this refers to criminal proceedings initiated under the Criminal Code articles on money laundering and tax evasion, but the Investigative Committee of Armenia has not yet provided official information on this matter.

Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that a search was being conducted at Gagik Tsarukyan's house this morning.

Later, Iveta Tonoyan, the spokesperson for the PAP leader, reported that large-scale searches were being carried out also in virtually all companies included in the Multi Group concern, belonging to Tsarukyan’s family, as well as in the homes of the directors of these companies.

Separately, PAP member Arman Abovyan reported that Gagik Tsarukyan's house was surrounded by some kind of machine gunners in military uniforms. Later, Abovyan shared a new video from in front of Tsarukyan’s house, noting that drones were operating above. “According to some information, places belonging to or connected to Gagik Tsarukyan have also been searched. It’s about the Brandy Factory, Olympavan, and Multi Wellness company,” he had added.

In this regard, the Investigative Committee of Armenia had told Armenian News-NEWS.am as follows: “Necessary investigative and procedural actions are being carried out within the framework of a criminal proceeding, we will make an official statement later.”

A few days ago, the prosecutor's office had submitted a petition to the Central Electoral Commission to overcome Tsarukyan's immunity, which was never discussed.

During the parliamentary election campaign season, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had threatened to deprive his opponents of their property and to have them arrested. In particular, he was talking about Strong Armenia Alliance leader and businessman Samvel Karapetyan, ex-president and “Armenia” Alliance leader Robert Kocharyan, and Gagik Tsarukyan.