Investigative Committee: Criminal case initiated in connection with   RA FIS statement regarding pressure on RA citizens and interference  in upcoming elections

ArmInfo.A criminal case has been launched  in connection with the RA Foreign Intelligence Service's statement regarding the pressure on RA citizens and interference in the upcoming elections, as noted in a statement issued by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

According to the source, on March 10, 2026, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia issued a statement regarding pressure on RA citizens in another country and interference in the upcoming elections.  According to a criminal report received from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia, during the exercise of operational intelligence duties, factual information was obtained indicating that the leaders and officials of certain parties operating in Armenia's political arena are obstructing the free exercise of individuals' electoral rights. They act on behalf of the intelligence services of another country, involving various actors, including major businessmen of the other country, leaders of the Armenian community, and representatives of criminal organizations. They exert pressure on individuals of Armenian descent and citizens of the Republic of Armenia engaged in economic activity in another country, pushing them to take actions in support of parties applying to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia. In exchange, under various pretexts, they offer to organize the process of relocation from another country to the Republic of Armenia, reimburse their transportation costs, and cover the costs of their stay in the Armenia, thereby using financial or other dependence to coerce individuals to participate in the elections.

In connection with the incident, the General Department for the Investigation of Particularly Important Cases at the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has launched a criminal case under Article 210, paragraphs 3 and 6 of the Criminal Code (obstruction by a group of persons with prior consent of the exercise of the right to participate in elections or a referendum) and und paragraph 3 of the same article (coercion of a person to vote in a referendum or elections by any means).

The necessary evidentiary and procedural measures are being taken to clarify all the circumstances of the incident, as well as to ensure the inevitability of criminal liability. The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia urges everyone to refrain from obstructing citizens' free exercise of their electoral rights and warns that it will take the necessary measures to neutralize any potential criminal activity, using the full range of legally permitted means.