Criminal Proceedings Initiated Regarding NSS Statement

The Armenian National Security Service issued a statement on March 10, 2026, regarding pressures exerted on Armenian citizens in other countries and potential interference in upcoming electoral processes.

According to a report of a crime received from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, factual data was obtained during the implementation of operational-investigative powers, indicating that certain leaders, officials, or other players of political parties operating in the political arena of Armenia are obstructing individuals' free exercise of their electoral rights. They do this by acting on behalf of foreign special services, using various players, including major businessmen from other countries, prominent figures from the Armenian community, and criminal authorities, to exert pressure on Armenian citizens engaged in economic activities abroad. These individuals are being coerced into supporting the parties that have submitted candidacies for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, with promises of organizing their relocation from abroad to Armenia, covering travel expenses, and providing accommodation costs, thus exploiting material or other dependencies to force participation in the election.

In connection with this case, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has initiated criminal proceedings within the framework of the general nature and electoral crimes investigation department, under Article 210, Part 2, Points 3 and 6 (obstructing the exercise of the right to participate in an election or referendum by materially incentivizing a group of persons in preliminary agreement; obstructing the rights or obligations of persons participating in elections or referendums) and Part 3, Point 3 of the same article (coercing to vote or to refrain from voting in an election or referendum using material or other dependence) of the Criminal Code.

Necessary evidentiary and procedural actions are being undertaken to clarify all circumstances of the case and to ensure the principle of unavoidable criminal liability.

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia urges to refrain from obstructing citizens' free expression of their electoral rights and warns that it will take necessary measures using all legally permitted means to neutralize possible criminal manifestations.