Armenia opens vote-buying investigation into Strong Armenia supporters

Armenian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that supporters of the Strong Armenia party offered bribes to voters in exchange for their support.

Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee said investigators had obtained evidence indicating that several Strong Armenia supporters acted together to offer electoral bribes to a group of voters.

According to the committee, the alleged scheme was intended to secure the maximum number of votes for the party in the Masis community of Ararat Province.

The evidence was gathered during joint operational and investigative measures carried out by the Anti-Corruption Committee and the Yerevan Police Department of Armenia's Interior Ministry.

Authorities release recordings

The Anti-Corruption Committee also released audio recordings that it said were linked to the alleged vote-buying scheme.

Similar recordings previously released by the authorities reportedly captured suspects discussing payments in exchange for votes and the recruitment of additional supporters.

Several people arrested

A criminal case has been opened in connection with the allegations.

Several individuals have been arrested, while investigators have carried out searches and other procedural measures. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those detained or the number of voters allegedly involved.

Under Armenian law, those accused are presumed innocent unless their guilt is established by a final court ruling.

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