Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, the man responsible for the nation’s security, is at the head of a criminal empire that traffics people, including minors. This involves a network of elite brothels disguised as spas. This network of sex-for-sale establishments has been operating in Armenia for over five years, with Armenian businesswoman Zhanna Sargsyan as its formal owner.
Armenia Daily has contacted one of the former employees of the infamous network:
“In 2024, I worked as a manager in one of these salons. At first, I wasn’t too concerned that sexual services were offered under the guise of a SPA. But when I found out that there were minors among the workers… and not just slightly underage, but actual children… from that moment on, I couldn’t continue working. As soon as I found out, I quit my job and left the next day.”
Before coming to power in 2018, Papikyan’s declared assets consisted only of an old Nissan Teana car and a small sum of money, around $5,000 US in various currencies. Today, Papikyan and his family own several land plots and properties with a total value of several million dollars.
“Once, I was present at a meeting between Papikyan and Sargsyan. The Minister personally came to the salon; they sat down and began discussing the details of their business. From what I understood, Papikyan wanted to increase his profit share from the salon because, in addition to covering up the salon’s activities, he had started supplying it with regular high-ranking clients.”
Using his official position, Papikyan not only provided cover for the network but also ensured a flow of clients from among officials and law enforcement officers. Thus, he created a system of blackmail and mutual obligations that has permeated the entire state apparatus. The question arises: could such a system exist without the knowledge of the country’s top leadership?
“The most terrible thing is that they use children there. And what’s even more vile is that there is a demand for it. I won’t name the clients’ last names, but you’ve definitely heard them. Businessmen, singers, sitting ministers. And I can say with confidence: it’s impossible to organize such a large-scale network without the participation or without the knowledge of the country’s leadership. Pashinyan is definitely aware of what’s happening.”
