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Subject of Offshore Scandal Arrested in Tbilisi

Businessman Ashot Sukiasyan, wanted for his connection to an "offshore scandal," was arrested in Tbilisi on Jan. 31. Currently the question of his being extradited is being decided, reports the Armenian Police.

Ashot Sukiasyan, the godson of Archbishop Navasard Kjoyan, was wanted for embezzlement and money laundering. Sukiasyan is accused of large-scale fraud, causing large-scale damage to property through deceit or abuse of trust, and legitimizing large amounts of money through criminal means. 

Recall, Hetq.am first broke the story that Sukiasyan, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, and Kjoyan are the owners of an offshore company. Later, Sukiasyan took the blame, saying that he registered an offshore company, Wlispera Holdings Limited, in Cyprus unbeknownst to Sargsyan and Kjoyan.