Situation surrounding ENA has political implication - Tashir 

ArmInfo.  In the context of the events of recent days, there is every reason to believe that the process around the Electric Networks of Armenia has a clear political  background. This is stated in a statement by the press service of the Tashir Group of Companies.

The statement notes that on July 8, as part of the investigative  actions carried out at the head office of Electric Networks of  Armenia CJSC, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company Narek Karapetyan was brought to the building accompanied by representatives of law enforcement agencies.

"He is currently not under arrest, does not have a clearly defined  status and is awaiting possible interrogation.

We confirm that searches and investigative actions were carried out in the office of the JSC. The management and employees of the company cooperated with the investigative bodies within the framework of the law. However, we cannot help but express concern about the format and scale of what is happening.  The Tashir Group of Companies remains committed to the principles of open, legal and constructive dialogue. We call on law enforcement agencies to act exclusively within the  framework of the Constitution and criminal law, excluding any forms of pressure or public expression. We continue to closely monitor the developments and will promptly provide the public with reliable information," the statement says.

On the morning of July 8, information appeared about searches in the house of the chairman of the board of directors of "Electric Networks" and nephew of Samvel Karapetyan - Narek Karapetyan. Then it became known that a criminal case was opened on the fact of money laundering on an especially large scale and tax evasion. Four employees of the company were arrested.

Philanthropist and president of the Tashir Group Samvel Karapetyan was detained on the night of June 18 in Yerevan by law enforcement agencies of Armenia after he expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church. In response to this, open threats followed from the Prime Minister. On the night of June 19, the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction arrested Samvel Karapetyan for a period of two months. He is being held in the "Yerevan-Kentron" penitentiary (the well-known "KGB basement" in the building of the National Security Service of Armenia). He is accused of publicly calling for the seizure of power in the country. Karapetyan does not admit guilt.