Russian-Armenian billionaire and Tashir Group founder Samvel Karapetyan was formally charged with inciting the overthrow of the Armenian government on June 17, his lawyer told reporters. This comes amid an intensifying dispute between the businessman and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration.

Karapetyan, who is well known for his philanthropic endeavours and significant investments in Armenia, was arrested after his Yerevan residence was searched on June 17. According to his lawyer, Armen Feroyan, the arrest was based on remarks the tycoon made in defence of the Armenian Apostolic Church in an interview, in which he criticised the government for attacking religious institutions.

The Armenian Investigative Committee confirmed the charges under Part 2 of Article 422 of the Criminal Code, which addresses public calls for the violent seizure of power. Legal experts, including another of Karapetyan’s lawyers, Ruben Hakobyan, argue that the charges are politically motivated. Hakobyan claimed that the investigation had violated multiple legal procedures, including the prolonged detention of over 50 individuals taken from Karapetyan’s residence during the raid.

“This is not a legal case, but a political operation,” he said. "The coercive measures used, the breach of constitutional protections and the attempt to imprison Karapetyan are all signs of an illegal and targeted campaign."

Karapetyan denies any wrongdoing. In his controversial interview, he stated: "If the politicians fail, we will act in our own way", in reference to defending the Church and national values. His supporters have interpreted these remarks as symbolic rather than seditious.

The case has sparked a wave of public backlash, with demonstrators gathering outside the Investigative Committee headquarters in Yerevan. Prominent figures, including religious leaders and opposition politicians, have condemned the arrest as part of what they describe as Pashinyan’s wider campaign against the Armenian Church.

In a separate development, Armenia’s Food Safety Service has launched an inspection of Karapetyan’s Tashir Pizza chain, temporarily closing one branch due to alleged sanitary violations. Meanwhile, Pashinyan warned that Electric Networks of Armenia, which is also owned by Karapetyan, must compensate citizens by June 21 or face nationalisation.

Judge Artak Karapetyan is expected to soon rule on the motion to formally arrest Karapetyan, which could lead to one of the most high-profile political trials in Armenia in recent years.