YEREVAN. – Either Baku or Yerevan are involved in the arrest of Russian-Armenian businessman and benefactor Levon Hayrapetyan, Heritage party deputy chairman Armen Martirosyan said.

Azerbaijan can be interested in the arrest of Hayrapetyan, since the latter is known for his actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. As to official Yerevan, the businessman has recently criticized the ruling regime and spoke about necessary changes that could provoke discontent of the Armenian authorities, Armen Martirosyan said.

“Taking into account yesterday's remark by PM Hovik Abrahamyan, the Armenian authorities believe he is guilty. But, his guilt has not been proved yet,” Martirosyan added. 

Interestingly, the opposition member ruled out Russia's involvement, claiming that Russia arrests businessman only if they have links with the opposition. 

Talking to reporters on Thursday, Hovik Abrahamyan said Hayrapetyan was arrested for violating the law.

The Russian Federation Investigation Committee has brought two criminal charges against Levon Hayrapetyan; the charges are prodigality and legalization of illicit income.