Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service Warns of External Pressure on Armenian Citizens

YEREVAN — Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia has issued a statement warning about pressure being exerted on Armenian citizens in another country and possible attempts to interfere in upcoming electoral processes.

In connection with the matter, the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia also released a statement noting that any illegal influence or interference in electoral processes is subject to legal assessment. The police have submitted a report to the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, individuals in another country—posing as representatives of that country’s special services—have been attempting to pressure people of Armenian descent who are citizens of Armenia and engaged in economic activities in that country. The alleged goal is to push them to take actions supporting certain political forces that have announced their participation in Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Based on this information, the police carried out verification measures. As a result, a report was compiled on apparent criminal activity involving attempts to obstruct the free exercise of citizens’ electoral rights through material incentives, as well as coercion to participate in elections by exploiting financial or other forms of dependency. The report has been forwarded to the Investigative Committee.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ police emphasized that any illegal influence or interference in electoral processes will be subject to legal evaluation.

Authorities also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any such incidents immediately to the police by calling 112, sending information to mia@gov.am, or submitting reports through the azdararir.am platform.