Armen Sargsyan, known in criminal circles as “Armen of Horlivka,” has been served a notice of suspicion of creating a militant group for the Russian occupiers.
The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police claim that Sargsyan assembled the ArBAT militant group in Horlivka, which was composed of repeat offenders convicted of serious crimes. The group actively participated in hostilities against Ukraine, in particular in the Toretsk sector, and was later transferred to Kursk region.
According to the investigation, Sargsyan was closely connected with the FSB and acted as a “warden” of prisons in the occupied territories of Donetsk region, creating illegal armed groups among prisoners. Through controlled companies, he supplied militants with materials for the construction of defenses and dugouts.
Sargsyan is also accused of committing crimes during Euromaidan, including organizing groups of “titushky” who attacked protesters. His group is suspected of involvement in the murder of journalist Viacheslav Veremiy.
Sargsyan has been on the international wanted list since 2014 and is considered close to former fugitive President Viktor Yanukovych.