Armenian Police requested the Investigative Committee to investigate and validate the Foreign Intelligence Service report about a foreign meddling attempt in the general elections.

Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned earlier on Tuesday of a foreign interference threat, with gathered intelligence indicating that “various actors” are attempting to meddle in the country’s upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections by pressuring Armenians abroad, namely in a specific country, to support certain political parties.

Hours later the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that police formally filed a report to the Investigative Committee to launch a probe.

“The Foreign Intelligence Service of the Republic of Armenia has disseminated information indicating that, in a foreign country, various actors presenting themselves as representatives of that country’s special services are attempting to exert pressure on individuals of Armenian origin and citizens of the Republic of Armenia who conduct economic activities there. According to the information, such pressure is aimed at encouraging them to carry out actions in support of certain political forces that have submitted applications to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia. Based on this information, the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carried out verification measures. As a result, a notification of a suspected crime containing elements of obstruction of the free exercise of electoral rights through material inducement, as well as coercion to participate in elections by exploiting material or other forms of dependency, has been submitted to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia. The Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds that any unlawful influence or interference in electoral processes is subject to legal assessment. The public is urged to remain vigilant. If you have information about similar cases, please immediately contact the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by calling 112, sending information to mia@gov.am, or submitting it through the azdararir.am platform,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.