In the Chelyabinsk region, law enforcement agencies have put an end to the activities of a large criminal group consisting of over 600 members. Currently, more than 20 criminal cases have been initiated regarding the group's illegal activities. 41-year-old Artak Varosyan, identified as the leader of the group, was arrested in November 2025.
According to the investigation, the criminal group was involved in extortion, kidnapping, trade in precious metals, and the organization of illegal gambling dens. Members of the group are also accused of exerting pressure on companies in the road construction sector. During the investigation, about 30 active members of the group were identified.
One of the most alarming aspects was the group's recruitment of minors into criminal activities. According to law enforcement reports, the group's handlers recruited teenagers from Uzbek, Tajik, and Armenian diasporas through pressure and ideological influence. The teenagers were forcibly involved in money laundering and the cashing out of illegal funds (acting as money mules).
