Armenian opposition party faces allegations of electoral fraud scheme

Armenian authorities have alleged the existence of a vote-buying scheme involving a political party linked to Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

The Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia claims that members of the Strong Armenia party attempted to bribe several residents in the Lori region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The agency released audio recordings, stating that one of the party’s candidates organised the distribution of cash payments intended to cover housing expenses.

According to the committee, intermediaries and private vehicles were used in the alleged scheme, while funds were reportedly distributed in cash in an effort to obscure financial transactions. Authorities said a criminal case has been opened, several individuals have been detained, and searches have been conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, Armenia’s Investigative Committee announced the detention of 10 individuals, stating that supporters of the Strong Armenia bloc had obstructed the election campaign of the ruling Civil Contract party, during which Defence Minister Suren Papikyan was participating.

By Vafa Guliyeva