The preliminary investigation into the criminal case against Narek Karapetyan, leader of the "Strong Armenia" faction in the parliament, and party member Aleksan Aleksanyan has concluded.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Armenian media reports, the case file, along with the indictment, has been forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Court.
Investigators allege that Karapetyan and Aleksanyan, in collusion with other individuals, established and led a criminal organization. The group reportedly utilized a public organization named "In Our Style" to conceal illegal activities that resulted in significant financial damage to the state. Furthermore, the accused face charges of money laundering and providing material incentives to citizens for participation in political gatherings between 2025 and 2026.
The prosecution claims these illicit activities were directly linked to the Armenian parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. The alleged objective was to manipulate the electoral process, bolster support for the "Strong Armenia" party and its associated alliance, and fabricate an illusion of widespread public backing. Investigation materials indicate that between September 2025 and February 2026, 114 offices of the "In Our Style" organization were opened across various Armenian settlements, which were effectively repurposed as party offices and campaign headquarters.
Aleksanyan has been in custody since June 3, 2026, while Karapetyan remains under restrictive measures, including a travel ban and bail. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of political corruption and electoral integrity within Armenia's political landscape, as authorities continue to investigate the intersection of private organizations and political campaigning.
