Armenian authorities have charged billionaire businessman and opposition politician Gagik Tsarukyan with tax evasion just two days after the country’s parliamentary elections.
Based on local media reports, prosecutors accuse the leader of the opposition party Prosperous Armenia of evading taxes on an especially large scale. Authorities have imposed travel restrictions on Tsarukyan, barring him from leaving Armenia until the investigation is completed.
In the June 7 parliamentary elections, Prosperous Armenia received less than 4% of the vote and failed to secure representation in parliament.
A former athlete and one of Armenia’s wealthiest businessmen, Tsarukyan has long been known for his flamboyant public image and displays of wealth and influence. In recent years, he attracted attention with plans to construct what has been described as the world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ near Yerevan. Armenian media have also frequently reported on exotic animals, including lions and tigers, allegedly kept at his residence.
Alongside his business activities, Tsarukyan has built a reputation as a philanthropist, financing churches and various social projects across the country.
Tsarukyan has been actively involved in Armenian politics for more than two decades. His party has participated in various governing coalitions over the years, and he previously served as a member of parliament. During the 2026 election campaign, Prosperous Armenia promoted the slogan “Political and Civic Noah’s Ark.” Tsarukyan pledged that, following the completion of the Jesus Christ monument, he would also build a memorial dedicated to Noah’s Ark, arguing that such large-scale projects could attract millions of tourists to Armenia.
During the election campaign, local media also reported on alleged business interests and connections linking Tsarukyan to Russia and Belarus. Tsarukyan has not publicly commented on the latest charges.
