Armenian authorities investigate vote-buying scheme linked to election candidate VIDEO

Armenia's Investigative Committee has alleged that a parliamentary candidate from the “Strong Armenia” electoral bloc was involved in a large-scale vote-buying scheme ahead of upcoming elections.

The candidate, identified only by the initials A.E., is accused of distributing cash payments ranging from approximately $270 to $1,360 to more than 100 voters in the Artashat community in exchange for electoral support, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The “Strong Armenia” bloc is led by businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, whom some media outlets describe as a Russian-Armenian oligarch.

Officers from Armenia's Interior Ministry detained and questioned more than 40 individuals suspected of accepting money in return for their votes. The individuals were taken to investigative authorities as part of the ongoing inquiry.

By Sabina Mammadli