Armenian Chess Legend GM Smbat Lputian Arrested Amid Fraud Investigation

Armenian Chess Legend Smbat Lputian Arrested Amid Fraud Investigation

Yerevan, Armenia — Renowned Armenian chess grandmaster Smbat Lputian was arrested on Friday as part of a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud and forgery, according to national media reports. Although he has since been released, charges against the 68-year-old remain active.

The arrest has garnered significant attention, confirmed by Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee to Armenia Today over the weekend. Lputian, who declined to comment directly on the matter, is facing serious accusations of aiding and abetting fraud and forgery, as stated by his lawyer, Ruben Melikyan, on social media.

Lputian was one of three individuals detained during the investigation, which focuses on alleged abuse of official authority and document forgery. Following his arrest, Lputian was released, but the legal proceedings are ongoing.

As the director of the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute at the Armenian State Pedagogical University, Lputian’s role is reportedly under scrutiny as part of the investigation. The institute has been pivotal in shaping Armenia’s chess education landscape.

A celebrated figure in the chess community, Lputian earned his grandmaster title in 1984 and achieved a peak world ranking of 17th in 1989. He was instrumental in Armenia’s historic gold medal win at the 2006 Chess Olympiad, alongside notable players such as Levon Aronian and Vladimir Akopian. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the title of “Honored Master of Sport of the Republic of Armenia” in 2009.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Lputian founded the Chess Academy of Armenia in 2002 and serves as Vice-President of the Armenian Chess Federation. His lawyer emphasized that the ongoing investigation is unrelated to his roles within the chess community.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has also responded to the situation, expressing hope for a swift resolution while respecting the rights of all involved. In a statement, FIDE acknowledged Lputian’s significant contributions to chess development and the importance of the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute in advancing chess education.

As the chess world watches closely, the unfolding legal situation surrounding Smbat Lputian raises questions about the intersection of sports, governance, and ethics in Armenia.