Businessman and Strong Armenia party leader Samvel Karapetyan is ready to increase his already set 4 billion dram bail, his lawyer Aram Vardevanyan said during a court hearing, requesting the lifting of house arrest.
According to the defense, the additional amount could reach around 400 million drams if the court makes the corresponding decision.
Vardevanyan noted that the bail paid in December — over 4 billion drams (about $10.6 million) — is unprecedented in Armenia’s history.
“The bail amount is unprecedented in Armenia’s history… 4 billion drams,” the lawyer said.
The Anti-Corruption Court is currently considering the motion to change Karapetyan’s preventive measure.
Defense lawyer Armen Feroyan also addressed the restrictions, noting that journalists attempt to ask Karapetyan questions before hearings, but he is unable to respond due to existing limitations. According to him, if released from house arrest, Karapetyan would be able to respond to both media and public inquiries.
On December 30, 2025, the court changed Karapetyan’s preventive measure, replacing detention with bail and house arrest.
Earlier, on June 17, 2025, a search was conducted at Karapetyan’s residence following his public support for the Armenian Apostolic Church. He was arrested the next day.
Karapetyan was charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including tax evasion, money laundering, and public calls threatening the constitutional order. Later, the charges were expanded to include особо major money laundering involving abuse of official influence.
