Armenian law enforcement authorities conducted simultaneous searches at more than 70 locations as part of over a dozen criminal proceedings led by the Investigative Committee. The sites included the residence of Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader and businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, companies belonging to his family’s Multi Group conglomerate, and the homes of company directors. While the Investigative Committee has not officially specified the allegations, Armenian media reported that the investigations concern suspected large-scale tax evasion and money laundering.

The Investigative Committee confirmed only that “necessary investigative and procedural actions” were underway, saying an official announcement would follow. PAP spokesperson Iveta Tonoyan said searches were taking place at virtually all companies affiliated with Multi Group. Party representative Arman Abovyan reported that Tsarukyan’s residence was surrounded by heavily armed security personnel with drones operating overhead. Opposition representatives said searches were also conducted at the Yerevan Brandy Factory, the Olympavan sports complex, and the Multi Wellness company.

The raids follow earlier action by the Prosecutor General’s Office, which petitioned the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) to lift Tsarukyan’s parliamentary candidate immunity so criminal proceedings could begin. Citing workload, the CEC postponed the request until the Constitutional Court completed its review of the challenges to the June 7 election results. Separately, prosecutors have already opened public criminal proceedings against Tsarukyan on charges of particularly large-scale tax evasion.

The searches come amid escalating post-election tensions between the government and opposition figures. During the campaign, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly pledged to pursue legal action against several prominent opposition leaders — Strong Armenia alliance leader Samvel Karapetyan, former President Robert Kocharyan, and Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukyan — accusing them of unlawful activities.