Armenian security chief says he nearly fought crime figure in Moscow

Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan has said that he nearly became involved in a physical confrontation with an Armenian crime figure during a visit to Moscow several years ago.

Former ruling-party lawmaker Hayk Sargsyan was also reportedly involved in the incident, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

Simonyan and Sargsyan have had a long-standing public dispute.

Simonyan told reporters that Sargsyan was part of an Armenian delegation during one of his visits to Moscow. While the group was waiting at a hotel, Sargsyan suggested that a friend of his father join them. Simonyan said he agreed, after which a man described as a crime boss arrived.

According to Simonyan, a dispute broke out during the conversation between him and the man and nearly escalated into a physical confrontation. The official did not identify the individual, saying he was not prepared to disclose the person’s name.

The incident comes amid an ongoing public feud between Simonyan and Sargsyan. In a recent interview, Sargsyan accused Simonyan of allegedly providing protection to the gambling industry.