Criminal Charges Filed Against Armenian Opposition Leader Gagik Tsarukyan

Armenian prosecutors have launched a public criminal prosecution against Gagik Tsarukyan, the chairman of the opposition Prosperous Armenia Party, on charges of large-scale tax evasion.

According to Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, Tsarukyan is accused under Article 290, Part 3, Paragraph 2 of the country’s Criminal Code, which relates to tax evasion on a particularly large scale.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said criminal proceedings have formally been initiated and that a travel restriction has been imposed as a preventive measure. Under the restriction, Tsarukyan is prohibited from leaving Armenia while the investigation and legal proceedings continue.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the allegations or the amount of taxes allegedly involved in the case.

Tsarukyan, one of Armenia’s most prominent businessmen and political figures, has led the Prosperous Armenia Party for years and has been a key player in the country’s political landscape. The case is expected to attract significant public and political attention as legal proceedings move forward.

No immediate comment from Tsarukyan or his legal team was reported following the announcement by prosecutors.