A criminal investigation has been launched after a falsified audio recording, allegedly featuring Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was circulated online. The audio, which appeared on the internet on June 26, was artificially generated using AI and falsely portrayed the Prime Minister issuing instructions to heads of Armenia’s law enforcement bodies regarding a specific criminal case.
According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, the audio was created and distributed by a group of individuals with the intent to mislead the public and create legal consequences. The recording was titled “Nikol Pashinyan’s special order to the NSS and Investigative Committee chiefs.”
Following a report from the Prosecutor General’s Office, a criminal case was initiated under Article 364, Part 2, Clause 2 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which pertains to computer-related forgery committed by a group with prior agreement.
Preliminary investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine the legal implications of their actions. Authorities warn against the misuse of modern technologies to produce and disseminate fake content that misleads the public and spreads disinformation.
The Investigative Committee reminds that anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court ruling in accordance with Armenian law.
