A large-scale, coordinated federal law enforcement operation spanning California and Florida culminated on May 20, 2025, with the arrest of 13 alleged members and associates of rival Armenian organized crime syndicates. The sweep targeted individuals accused in five separate federal complaints of grave crimes, including attempted murder, kidnapping, theft of online retailer shipments valued collectively in the tens of millions of dollars, and illegal firearm possession.
Authorities stated the charges stem from violent acts and sophisticated criminal schemes allegedly undertaken by the rival factions in a bid to expand control within the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. The operation highlighted the increasing focus by federal agencies on dismantling transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.
Key Defendants and Charges
The federal complaints detail the alleged roles of several prominent figures within the targeted syndicates. Among those arrested was Ara Artuni, 41, of Porter Ranch, California, who faces a charge of attempted murder in aid of racketeering. Also apprehended was Robert Amiryan, 46, of Hollywood, California, charged with kidnapping.
Vahan Harutyunyan, 50, was arrested separately in Hollywood, Florida. Following his initial appearance before a magistrate judge, he was ordered detained pending further proceedings, underscoring the multi-state nature of the criminal network.
Federal officials noted that two other defendants named in the complaints, Levon Arakelyan, 45, and Ivan Bojorquez, 33, were already in state custody at the time of the federal operation. One defendant remains at large and is actively being sought by law enforcement.
Significant Seizures and Evidence
During the execution of the arrest warrants and related searches on May 20, 2025, investigators seized a significant amount of evidence pertinent to the alleged criminal activities. This included approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms. These seizures provide tangible links to the financial and violent capabilities attributed to the organized crime groups.
The Dynamics of the Armenian Organized Crime Groups
According to information released by law enforcement, the targeted Armenian Organized Crime group is known to be affiliated with the broader Russian mafia network. Los Angeles County has reportedly become a significant hub for the group’s operations within the United States. The recent federal complaints shed light on an intense power struggle between two local leaders, sometimes referred to as avtoritet, which allegedly escalated dramatically beginning in 2022.
This internal conflict is believed by investigators to have directly led to the violent incidents detailed in the complaints, including multiple attempted murders and a kidnapping.
Allegations of Violent Conflict
The federal documents lay out a timeline of the alleged feud between the factions led by individuals like Ara Artuni and Robert Amiryan. Artuni is specifically accused of ordering the attempted murder of Amiryan during the summer of 2023. In a swift and brutal act of retaliation, Amiryan is then accused of orchestrating a kidnapping and subsequent torture of an associate aligned with Artuni’s faction in June 2023.
These allegations paint a picture of a volatile environment where violent retribution was a primary means of settling disputes and asserting dominance within the criminal underworld.
Sophisticated Theft Operations
Beyond the violent power struggle, the Artuni enterprise is also alleged to have engaged in highly lucrative financial crimes. Federal complaints outline charges including bank fraud, wire fraud, and large-scale cargo theft.
One of the most significant accusations involves the systematic theft of goods from online retail giant Amazon.com Inc. Investigators allege that since at least 2021, the Artuni network has stolen over $83 million worth of merchandise from the company, contributing significantly to the overall theft value cited in the federal complaints, which reached into the tens of millions of dollars from online retailer shipments.
Commitment to Dismantling Transnational Crime
Commenting on the successful operation, United States Attorney Bill Essayli reiterated the commitment of federal authorities to confronting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that pose a threat to communities. The arrests and charges underscore ongoing efforts by federal agencies, including the FBI and other partners, to disrupt organized crime networks regardless of their origin or the complexity of their operations.
The ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings are expected to reveal further details about the structure, activities, and reach of these alleged criminal syndicates and the impact they have had on businesses and public safety.
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