Russian publication The Insider reported that the passport file of Strong Armenia alliance leader Samvel Karapetyan listed the “FSB information center” as his workplace.
“In 1999, when Karapetyan was obtaining a foreign passport in Kaluga, leaked offline databases showed that the ‘place of work’ field in his passport file contained an Interior Ministry note indicating the FSB information center,” the publication said, according to Factor.am .
The report noted that an operational officer from Russia’s Interior Ministry told the editorial team that such a mark means the FSB must first be contacted when verifying the individual. According to the same source, such markings are usually used for foreigners working under FSB supervision or non-public informants.
The investigation’s author also cited a source familiar with Karapetyan’s close circle, who claimed that “Samvel never interfered in politics,” but “never refused delicate financial requests from the Kremlin.” The same source alleged that recently he had been “strongly pressured” to become involved in political processes and form the Strong Armenia alliance.
In The Insider’s publication, Karapetyan was presented as one of the figures through whom, according to the outlet, Moscow is attempting to preserve influence in Armenia ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The election campaign that began on May 8 will continue until June 5. June 6 will be a day of silence, while elections will be held on June 7.
