U.S. federal authorities have arrested 13 alleged members of rival Armenian organized crime groups, according to a DOJ press release. The charges include attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal firearms possession, bank and wire fraud, and theft of goods worth over $80 million.

Among the accused are 41-year-old Ara Artuni of Los Angeles, charged with attempted murder, and 46-year-old Robert Amiryan of Hollywood, charged with kidnapping.

Authorities say both men are leaders of opposing Armenian crime syndicates, referred to as avtoritet—a Russian term for "authority." Artuni’s group is also implicated in widespread bank and wire fraud schemes and cargo theft.

The DOJ alleges that Artuni and his organization targeted Amazon by registering as logistics operators. After securing shipping contracts, they would divert shipments and steal all or part of the goods.

According to Amazon’s estimates, over $83 million worth of cargo was stolen by Artuni’s group.

The organization also reportedly ran a “credit card bust-out” scheme—charging fake businesses, draining accounts, then abandoning them before banks could recover disputed funds.

On May 20, federal agents seized more than $100,000 in cash, 14 firearms, and three armored vehicles, with support from the Los Angeles and Burbank police departments.

If convicted on all counts, the defendants face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.

In 2024, the U.S. reported 3,798 cargo theft cases—a 26% increase year-over-year—with total losses exceeding $455 million, a historic high. Forecasts suggest cargo theft may rise by another 22% in 2025.