E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Law enforcement agencies in California and Florida have arrested 13 individuals linked to Armenian organized crime syndicates. The arrests are part of five federal complaints involving charges such as attempted murder, kidnapping, theft of online retailer shipments worth millions, and illegal firearm possession. These actions aim to expand and maintain control in the San Fernando Valley.
Among those charged is Ara Artuni, 41, from Porter Ranch, accused of attempted murder related to racketeering. Another individual, Robert Amiryan, 46, from Hollywood, faces kidnapping charges. Initial court appearances for the defendants arrested in California are scheduled for today and tomorrow at the United States District Court in Los Angeles. Vahan Harutyunyan, 50, from Hollywood, Florida, appeared earlier today in Fort Lauderdale and was detained. Two others remain in state custody on unrelated charges.
Authorities continue to search for one defendant while seizing $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms during the operation.
According to affidavits filed with the criminal complaints, Armenian Organized Crime is a transnational organization affiliated with the Russian mafia that has established operations in Los Angeles County. Since 2022, local leaders within this group have allegedly been involved in a power struggle leading to multiple violent incidents.
Artuni is accused of ordering an attempted murder against Amiryan during summer 2023. In response, Amiryan allegedly conspired to kidnap and torture one of Artuni's associates in June 2023.
In addition to these violent crimes, Artuni's group has reportedly engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud since at least 2021. They allegedly targeted online retailers like Amazon by enrolling as carriers and diverting shipments valued over $83 million. They also ran a "credit card bust-out" scheme involving fraudulent business transactions.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated: “Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe by dismantling transnational criminal organizations.”
Dwayne Angebrandt from HSI Los Angeles commented: “This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel.”
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized collaboration among law enforcement agencies: “Together we are sending a clear message: violence will not be tolerated.”
Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero acknowledged the extensive investigation efforts: “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the assistance from its law enforcement partners.”
A complaint alleges a crime but does not prove guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted on all charges, sentences could range from ten years to life imprisonment.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including LAPD Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section; Burbank Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Kenneth R. Carbajal along with Tara B. Vavere are prosecuting these cases under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels.
