Criminal proceedings have been initiated against 62 individuals in connection with a vote-buying case during the Vagharshapat municipal council elections, Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee reported.
According to the statement, members of the group recruited primarily individuals affiliated with the Republican Party of Armenia, who had broad social connections and numerous acquaintances.
As a result, more than 50 people were promised bribes of 50,000 drams each on the condition that they vote in favor of a candidate from the Homeland party.
To complete the crime and maintain full control over the process, the group members distributed roles, compiled lists of recruited voters, and remained in phone contact with them on election day.
Searches led to the discovery and seizure of handwritten documents containing information about individuals who agreed to accept bribes or facilitated their distribution, as well as lists of voters and polling stations.
A total of 62 individuals have been detained and charged within the criminal proceedings. Some of them have admitted guilt and provided confessions. Cases against several defendants have been separated and sent to court with indictments.
An audio recording has also been released.
Note: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final court verdict in accordance with Armenia’s Criminal Procedure Code.
