LSA Law Firm has seen an influx of inquiries from foreign nationals (particularly from Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation) who fell victim to misleading organizations operating outside of Armenia. Facilitated by these intermediaries, they submitted forged ethnic certificates to the RA Migration and Citizenship Service or RA Consulates in order to obtain Armenian citizenship through ethnic origin. Subsequently, criminal proceedings were initiated under Article 457 of the RA Criminal Code, leading to formal criminal charges and the issuance of international arrest warrants (wanted status).
Since these individuals reside outside Armenia, they face immediate legal hurdles, primarily regarding international travel restrictions and freedom of movement, upon being declared “wanted.”
In such cases, the Investigative Committee of the RA granted motions by LSA attorneys to conduct in absentia criminal proceedings. Following the prosecution’s indictment, the courts held trials without the defendants’ presence. These cases resulted in fines; upon payment, our clients’ criminal records were cleared and wanted status lifted. This process ensures the inevitability of legal consequences while allowing the individual to resolve their situation without traveling to Armenia.
LSA Law Firm urges all applicants to follow official legal channels and avoid Armenian citizenship fraud schemes. We remain ready to assist those currently facing prosecution under Article 457. For inquiries submitted before August 30, 2026, our attorneys will provide an initial consultation free of charge.
