Ruben Vardanyan Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

A court in Azerbaijan has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Ruben Vardanyan, a former senior figure in the so-called Armenian administration in Karabakh, concluding a high-profile trial centered on terrorism and armed group activities.

Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence

The decision was announced at the Baku Military Court, where Ruben Vardanyan was prosecuted on charges of financing terrorism, participating in the formation and activities of illegal armed groups, and committing war crimes.

At the final hearing, the court ruled that Vardanyan be sentenced to 20 years in prison.

From Russian Citizen to Karabakh Official

Vardanyan, a billionaire businessman who previously lived in Russia and held Russian citizenship, renounced his Russian passport in September 2022 before relocating to Karabakh.

He subsequently assumed the role of “state minister” in the so-called Armenian administration in the region.

According to reports, Vardanyan had previously been associated with allegations involving money laundering, illegal arms trade and drug trafficking. He had also made provocative statements against Azerbaijan through his social media accounts.

Detained After Azerbaijan’s 2023 Operation

Azerbaijan launched an anti-terror operation in Karabakh on September 19, 2023, reasserting control over the region.

In the aftermath of the operation, Vardanyan was detained while attempting to cross into Armenia and was subsequently placed under arrest. The 20-year sentence marks a significant development in the legal proceedings against former figures of the dissolved administration.