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More Convictions in Armenian Power Fraud, Extortion Rackets

On April 18 the Los Angeles Times reported that three more men affiliated with the Armenian Power gang were convicted for participating in a vast racketeering conspiracy and debit card skimming scheme that targeted thousands of 99 Cents Only stores across southern California.

Two gang leaders - Mher Darbinyan and Arman Sharopetrosian, - were convicted last Thursday of racketeering conspiracy and extortion, as well as a slew of other related charges, according to an announcement from the U.S attorney for Central California.

The two worked together to shake down a member of the Armenian community, using threats of violence and at one point arranging for the victim’s kidnapping at gunpoint, prosecutors said. The victim paid the pair more than $20,000 over six months, according to prosecutors.

The convictions represent some of the last few cases remaining from a sweeping investigation that involved nearly a dozen federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Glendale Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the IRS.

Hetq reported on the investigation in a March 25, 2012 article entitled “Member of Armenian Power Organized Crime Group Convicted for Bank Fraud”.

Federal prosecutors indicted 90 people in 2011 for crimes ranging from kidnapping and extortion to identity theft and passing counterfeit checks. Of the group, 85 have now been convicted.



 

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