Armenian authorities have detained Vardan Makaryan, a member of the board of directors of Electric Networks of Armenia, during searches at properties belonging to the Karapetyan family and individuals associated with them.

Makaryan previously served as head of the administration of Armenian ex-President Serzh Sargsyan and as acting head of the administration of Armen Sarkissian, Sputnik Armenia reports.

The detention took place during a series of searches at properties linked to the Karapetyan family. Following a search at Karapetyan's residence, Armenian law enforcement officers took away the opposition figure, escorting him out through the rear gate of his own house.

In response, Narek Karapetyan and other representatives and supporters of the political movement followed the vehicle carrying the detained individual to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, Armenia's Investigative Committee has launched criminal proceedings against 36 people in connection with the searches, the agency's spokesperson, Kima Avdalyan, announced on social media.

Avdalyan also stated that Electric Networks of Armenia had sustained damages amounting to 64.5 billion drams (approximately $180 million).