Length of searches at PAP leader`s home could be entered into  Guinness Book of Records

ArmInfo.  The searches conducted by security forces at the home of Prosperous Armenia Party leader  Gagik Tsarukyan could be entered into the Guinness Book of Records as  one of the longest investigative operations, lasting approximately 13  hours. This was stated by the political party's press secretary,  Iveta Tonoyan, on July 7, speaking to reporters outside the Yerevan  courthouse, where the decision on Tsarukyan's arrest is currently  being heard.

She drew attention to the carelessness of the actions taken against  Tsarukyan, from his arrest to his transfer to the court, during the  "fabrication of the case." She also emphasized that the case against  Tsarukyan is groundless and fabricated. She said they have been  receiving numerous calls since early this morning about the  businessman's numerous businesses being closed and people being  forced to take leave.

She also expressed bewilderment at these actions by the Armenian  authorities, which will break the backbone of the Armenian economy,  noting that Tsarukyan's businesses paid millions in taxes to the  state treasury. Tonoyan also thanked all citizens who have expressed  support for Tsarukyan in recent days. The PAP representative also  addressed Armenian officials of various calibers, who are currently  expressing undisguised joy over the actions of law enforcement  against Tsarukyan, and noted that the boomerang law has not been  repealed.

"Let's also recall those historical events when, thanks to the PAP,  Nikol Pashinyan found himself in parliament (in 2018 - ed.). Back  then, you were singing a different tune," she noted.

Speaking about Tsarukyan's confiscated animals, Tonoyan emphasized  that the businessman had all the official documents for the animals.

"The term 'confiscation of animals' is problematic in itself. As for  the rest, everyone has their own preferences, and no one is legally  prohibited from hunting in designated areas and under appropriate  conditions-that's first. Secondly, regarding the animals' housing  conditions, you probably saw that the animals kept there were  provided with the best conditions in Armenia, with all the necessary  permits. All the necessary documents for all the animals were  available, starting with the housing conditions," the PAP  representative stated.

Early in the morning of July 6, security forces searched Gagik  Tsarukyan's home and businesses. Searches were conducted at more than  70 addresses, all of which were then sealed. After 12 hours of  investigative activities, Tsarukyan was detained, and a motion for  his arrest has been filed with the court. He is accused of aiding and  abetting fraud and aiding and abetting money laundering. Tsarukyan's  defense called the charges against the businessman absurd.  Furthermore, investigators confiscated the businessman's animals and  moved them to the Yerevan Zoo.