U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in California and Florida, arrested 13 individuals on May 20, allegedly linked to Armenian organized crime syndicates. The arrests involve charges such as attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal firearm possession, and thefts connected to online retailer shipments.
“This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel,” stated Dwayne Angebrandt, acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles.
The accused include Ara Artuni from Porter Ranch, California, charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering. Another individual, Robert Amiryan from Hollywood, California, faces kidnapping charges. Defendants apprehended in California are scheduled for initial court appearances in Los Angeles.
In Florida, Vahan Harutyunyan appeared earlier today in Fort Lauderdale and was detained. Two other defendants remain in state custody on unrelated charges.
During the operation, authorities seized $100,000 cash, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms. Affidavits indicate that Armenian Organized Crime has been active in Los Angeles County since 2022. A power struggle between local leaders led to several violent incidents.
Artuni is accused of ordering Amiryan’s attempted murder last summer. In response, Amiryan allegedly orchestrated a kidnapping involving one of Artuni’s associates.
The criminal enterprise is also implicated in crimes like bank fraud and wire fraud since at least 2021. The group reportedly targeted online retailers like Amazon.com Inc., stealing goods worth over $83 million by diverting trucking routes after enrolling as carriers.
A “credit card bust-out” scheme was also part of their operations—charging credit cards through a fake business before depleting accounts prior to collection attempts by credit card companies.
“Today’s arrests reflect that my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping America safe,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Let today’s enforcement action be a warning to criminals.”
Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero acknowledged the extensive investigation efforts: “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the assistance from its law enforcement partners.”
Angebrandt emphasized HSI’s commitment: “Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners… we are holding these perpetrators accountable.”
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Convictions could result in sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations; Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division; Burbank Police Department; IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Kenneth R. Carbajal along with Tara B. Vavere are prosecuting the case with support from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
Reports on suspicious activities can be made via the ICE Tip Line available 24/7 at 866-DHS-2-ICE.
