Armenian law enforcement agencies said Thursday they uncovered an alleged vote-buying and voter intimidation scheme linked to the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Anti-Corruption Committee said in a press release that, in coordination with police in Syunik Province, investigators obtained evidence suggesting that individuals connected to an Armenian businessman based in Russia’s Orenburg region had offered financial incentives, debt relief, and job promises to voters in exchange for support for the “Strong Armenia” party, led by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, in the June 7 parliamentary elections.
It did not name the businessman.
Authorities also alleged that the same group attempted to obstruct the free exercise of voting rights by threatening residents in the city of Sisian with violence. It also released an audio recording it said contains conversations related to the alleged scheme.
The Anti-Corruption Committee said several individuals have been detained, with searches and other investigative measures carried out as part of the criminal proceedings.
Other details were not immediately available.
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