Armenian Authorities Uncover Large-Scale Cash Smuggling of 72.6 Million Russian Rubles

YEREVAN — Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC), in cooperation with the National Security Service, has uncovered multiple cases involving the illegal import of large sums of cash across Armenia’s air and land borders as part of intensified financial monitoring efforts.

According to officials, intelligence indicated that a Russian citizen identified as R.T. would arrive in Armenia carrying a particularly large amount of undeclared cash. оператив investigative measures were promptly initiated.

Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, authorities discovered that the individual was carrying 65 million Russian rubles (approximately 321 million Armenian drams). Based on reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense, the suspect was detained and transferred to the SRC’s Investigation and Intelligence Department.

A criminal case was subsequently launched by the Investigative Committee under relevant provisions of Armenia’s Criminal Code, and the court ordered house arrest as a preventive measure.

Notably, the following day, a relative of the suspect—also a Russian citizen identified as Y.T.—was found carrying an additional 7.6 million rubles (around 37 million drams). This individual was likewise detained and placed under house arrest.

Authorities emphasized that enhanced controls will continue and urged citizens to transfer funds through legal financial institutions rather than attempting to bring cash into the country through illegal means.