Armenian-American Businessman Accused of Pedophilia ‘Gave Millions to his Victims’

One of the victims was examined on the stand Wednesday in the case of Armenian-American businessman Serop Der-Boghossian (pictured), who is being accused of sexual abuse of minors.

If found guilty, the owner of Metal Prince Ltd. Corporation and Akhtala Ore Processing Plant CJSC, 69-year-old Serop Der-Boghossian faces 8–15 years in jail.

At this stage of the proceedings, victims are being examined in court and evidence is being researched.

Out of 10 victims, 7 have already testified in court. During court sessions — which are held behind closed doors — the parties view video footage submitted as evidence then examining those victims who were seen in the video.

“Today’s victim, in fact, said almost nothing. He was unable to talk, or he was hesitating?” deputy chief of the department on cases examined by national security agencies RA Prosecutor General’s Office Aram Amirzadyan told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am), adding, “It was the victim who yesterday got out of the car that belongs to the Akhtala Ore Processing Plant.”

The victim who testified on Wednesday is 20 years old, but during the time of the alleged crime, he was 16–17 years old. He did not deny the fact that from time to time Serop Der-Boghossian would give him money. Aram Amirzadyan noticed the witness was constrained: there was contradicting information in the testimony he gave during the pre-trial investigation and the one he gave in court. He adamantly declined that he had sexual relations with the accused, though his face could be seen in the video shown in court. However, Der-Boghossian himself said there were sexual relations between him, the victim in question and another victim.

Amirzadyan said that during the pre-trial investigation as well as in court, it became clear that the accused gave “millions” to the victims.

“According to the victims, it wasn’t forced, but there are victims who don’t deny that they had financial dependence,” he said.

Note, the victims and their parents come to the court sessions in vehicles belonging to Metal Prince Ltd. and guided by company employees.

The trial against Serop Der-Boghossian will continue in the Lori District Court of First Instance on Thursday.