Federal authorities announced the arrest of five San Fernando Valley street gang members and their associates in connection with an alleged contract killing targeting an Armenian crime boss, Fox 11 reports.
Additionally, 49-year-old Jose de Jesus Gonzalez Jr., known as “Listo,” was arrested in a separate case. Gonzalez, a resident of Llano, San Bernardino County, is accused of participating in the attempted murder of Vahagn Harutyunyan in August 2023. He is currently in custody on kidnapping charges.
Federal authorities said the five are members and associates of the Venon Street Locos and Emwood Reef 13 gangs. The arrests were made based on search warrants. Investigators seized five firearms, a silencer, firearm parts, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition at the crime scene.
The four main suspects are accused of using interstate commerce to commit contract killings. Gonzalez is charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
According to court documents, the Armenian organized crime group is a transnational criminal organization with ties to the Russian and Mexican mafias and considers the Los Angeles area its hub for operations in the United States.
Authorities stated that a power struggle between two local crime bosses has been ongoing within the group since 2022.
The Department of Justice named Robert Amiyan, 47, of Hollywood, as one of the ring leaders. He was reportedly the victim of an assault and attempted murder by 41-year-old Ara Artuni, the leader of the Porter Ranch gang.
Both men are in federal prison. Amiyan’s trial is scheduled for December, and Artuni’s for August 2026.