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In the framework of an ongoing probe of a criminal case, the General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee has revealed an swindling case of a significant amount of money from Cuban citizens under the pretence of organizing departure for the U.S. for permanent residency.

The Information and Public Relations Department of the RA Investigative Committee told Panorama.am that a Cuban citizen identified as Gomez currently, who currently stays in Yerevan, submitted a written report to Armenia’s law enforcement agencies in 2016 notifying that significant sum of money was taken from him for organizing permanent residence in the USA for him and his family members –  a total of 6 members. However, the departure was not organized, neither the money was returned.

The preliminary investigation regarding the criminal case launched upon the Cuban citizen’s report has been conducted by the General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee since February 2016. Due to the large-scale investigative operations sufficient evidence was obtained on the fact that while residing in Cuba, a women named Barbara promised Gomez to organize a permanent residency for him, his relatives and family members in the U.S. in Armenia. Based on the reached agreement, Gomez’s six family members arrived in Armenia on Havana-Moscow-Yerevan flight.

In Armenia two other Cuban citizens met them, and under the pretext of formulating the necessary documents for the departure for the U.S. they took significant amount of money totaling to 36.300  USD and 2000 Euros from them.

The probe revealed the identity of Barbara and over the circle of the crime-elated individuals.

On the basis of the combined evidence, Cuban citizen Barbara on March 4 was charged under Part 3 (Point 1) of Article 178 of the RA Criminal Code (swindling in particularly large amount). Detention was chosen against her as a measure of restraint.

Other necessary investigative measures are being taken to reveal other related people and to ensure comprehensive, objective and complete investigation.

The source informs that other Cuban citizens have also suffered as a result of the fraud. The affected people are asked to contact the General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee (address; 46/5 Mamikonyants Street, Yerevan, Armenia; phone numbers –  011 880-089, 011 880- 007).

Notice: The person suspected in or accused of an alleged crime shall be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in the manner prescribed by the RA Criminal Procedure Code in accordance with the Court’s verdict made effective.