Armenia’s Criminal Underworld Thrives Amid Political Instability

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A Plague on the Nation: Corruption and Crime in Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia - Despite efforts to reform and combat organized crime, Armenia remains plagued by a thriving criminal underworld. The country’s political instability has created an environment conducive to illegal activities, with corruption within government and law enforcement agencies being a major contributing factor.

Armenian Mafia Groups Continue to Thrive

Armenian mafia groups, known as “akhperutyuns,” continue to exert influence over parts of the capital Yerevan, although their numbers have declined since 2018. These criminal organizations are believed to be involved in various illicit activities, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Counterfeiting

Corruption Rife in the Judicial System

The country’s judicial system is also riddled with corruption, with some judges being accused of accepting bribes and others being influenced by political connections. This has led to a lack of confidence in the judiciary, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat organized crime.

Challenges Facing Law Enforcement Agencies

Law enforcement officials admit that they face significant challenges in combating criminal activity due to:

• Limited resources
• Low salaries

However, despite these challenges, some notable successes have been achieved, including the arrest of high-profile criminals.

Economic Vulnerability to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Armenia’s economic environment is also vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing, with the country being a key transit point for illicit trade. The government has taken steps to improve its anti-money laundering laws, but more needs to be done to strengthen the system and prevent abuse.

Civil Society Organizations Struggle to Make an Impact

The country’s civil society organizations are also struggling to make an impact, with many lacking funding and resources. However, some groups have been involved in decision-making processes and have helped raise awareness about important issues such as:

• Human trafficking
• Organized crime

Conclusion: A Call to Action for the Government

While Armenia has made some progress in combating organized crime, the country still faces significant challenges. The government must take further steps to address corruption and improve transparency if it is to effectively combat criminal activity and protect its citizens.