Armenian Power leader

$1 million 99 Cents Only scam lands Armenian Power gang leader in prison for 18 years

The co-leader of an Armenian street gang was sentenced Monday to nearly 18 years behind bars for multiple federal racketeering crimes, including a debit-card-skimming operation that siphoned more than $1 million from customers of 99 Cents Only stores across the Southland.

Mher “Mike” Darbinyan, 44, formerly of Valencia, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner to pay $170,000 in fines and restitution to the victimized financial institutions. According to court papers, he faces deportation to his native Armenia once he is released from prison.

Darbinyan was found guilty in Los Angeles federal court five years ago of more than four dozen criminal counts, including bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and was sentenced to a 32-year prison term.

The gang reportedly formed in East Hollywood in the 1980s. Prosecutors said Darbinyan arrived in Los Angeles from Armenia when he was 14 and rose through the gang’s ranks until reaching the position of leader.

Name: MHER DARBINYAN
Register Number: 60513-112
Age: 44
Race: White
Sex: Male
Release Date: 11/15/2039
Location: Not in BOP custody

From Federal Prison Inmate search