Russian FSB uncovers diamond theft and smuggling scheme involving Armenia

The Investigative Committee of Russia reported the detention of a group involved in the systematic theft of high-quality rough diamonds from ALROSA, followed by their smuggling to Armenia.

According to Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, those detained include ALROSA employee Valentina Matyushchenkova, her son Alexei Matyushchenkov, as well as Armen Petrosyan and Arman Sahakyan.

The stolen diamonds were delivered to the Armenian company ADM Diamond LLC, whose beneficiary is businessman and member of the National Assembly of Armenia, Khachatur Sukiasyan.

Additionally, Armenian nationals A.A. Bagikyan and A.A. Bagikyan—both internationally wanted—were reportedly involved in the scheme.