Based on a report received on June 5, Armenia’s Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of preparations to usurp state power.

According to the committee, information indicating a possible crime alleged that Vardan Ghukasyan, mayor of the Gyumri community in Shirak Province, together with other individuals acting as a group, allegedly carried out preparatory actions during 2025 aimed at seizing power in Armenia through means not предусмотрed by the Constitution.

The report states that through meetings with various individuals across Armenia and the recruitment of supporters, the suspects allegedly prepared actions directed toward unlawfully assuming state authority. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, they were allegedly unable to begin the execution of the objective elements of the planned offense.

On the basis of the report, criminal proceedings were launched by the Main Department for the Investigation of Crimes Against the State, Constitutional Order and Public Security under Part 1 of Article 43-419 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which concerns preparation to usurp power.

The Investigative Committee said measures are underway to identify all individuals allegedly involved in the suspected offense, determine the mechanisms of the alleged crime and provide a legal assessment of the actions of those involved.

The committee also published an audio recording attributed to Ghukasyan. In the recording, a voice allegedly says: “I won’t even take a single step unless the Russians tell me to.”

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court verdict that has entered into legal force in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code.