US Federal officials announced the arrests of five members and associates of San Fernando Valley street gangs in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting an Armenian organized crime boss, Fox 11 reports.

In addition, Jose de Jesus Gonzalez Jr., 49, known as "Listo" was arrested in a separate case. Gonzalez, of the Llano community in San Bernardino County, is accused of being connected to the August 2023 shooting of Vahan Harutyuyan, who is currently in federal custody on kidnapping charges.

Federal officials said the five are members and associates of the Vanoewn Street Locos and Elmwod Rifa 13 gangs.

The arrests followed the execution of a search warrant. While at the scene, investigators seized five firearms, a silencer, firearm parts and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

The four primary suspects are charged with using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Gonzalez faces charges of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO.

According to court affidavits, Armenian Organized Crime—a transnational criminal organization with ties to the Russian Mafia and Mexican Mafia—has considered Los Angeles County a hub for its US operations.

Authorities said a power struggle within the group has been ongoing since 2022 between two local leaders known as "avtoritet," the Russian word for "authority."

The US Department of Justice identified Robert Amiyan, 47, of Hollywood, as one of the leaders. He was reportedly targeted for assault and attempted murder by rival leader Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch. Both men are in federal custody.

Amiyan’s trial is scheduled to begin in December, while Artuni’s trial is set for August 2026.