Simultaneous searches conducted at 70 locations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Simultaneous searches are being carried out at more than 70 locations as part of more than a dozen criminal investigations being handled by Armenia's Investigative Committee.

The information was announced by Investigative Committee spokesperson Kima Avdalyan, according to Aysor.am.

Earlier, the Investigative Committee said necessary investigative and procedural actions were being conducted at the home of Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan as part of a criminal case.

It was previously reported that masked law enforcement officers had entered Tsarukyan's residence. Large-scale searches are also underway at nearly all companies belonging to the Multi Group concern, as well as at the homes of the companies' directors.

On June 9, Tsarukyan was prevented from leaving Armenia at Zvartnots International Airport. Public criminal prosecution was initiated against him on charges of tax evasion on an especially large scale. According to party spokesperson Iveta Tonoyan, Tsarukyan had planned a two- to three-day trip abroad with his wife and was traveling for that purpose. It was later announced that, after criminal proceedings were initiated against him, he was placed under a travel restriction requiring him not to leave the country.

On June 25, it became known that a request had been submitted to the Central Electoral Commission seeking to strip Tsarukyan of his parliamentary immunity. The commission said the request would most likely be considered after July 4.