In a dramatic cross-border security operation, Georgian authorities have intercepted a staggering shipment of 190,000 counterfeit Armenian passports and 29,000 fake ID cards at the Georgia–Turkey border.
The documents, reportedly printed in Izmir, Turkey, were allegedly en route to Armenia for use in a covert scheme to manipulate the outcome of the 2026 National Assembly elections.
The revelation came through an official letter from Vardan Ghukasyan, Honorary President of Armenia’s radical opposition party “Democracy, Law, Discipline” (D.O.K), addressed to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and State Security Chief Mamuka Mdinaradze.
Ghukasyan expressed deep gratitude for Georgia’s swift and decisive action, calling it a vital step in safeguarding democratic integrity across the region.
What Was Seized—and Why It Matters
According to “DOK Party” Sources, the fake documents were part of a sophisticated plan to artificially inflate voter turnout using identities of individuals who are either not legally present in Armenia or are residing abroad. The goal? To fabricate election results in favor of the current ruling authorities, who—according to the opposition—fear they cannot secure a legitimate majority.
The seized documents were allegedly commissioned by institutional actors within Armenia’s government, working in coordination with Turkish partners. The operation reportedly aimed to recruit foreign nationals, including individuals from India and other countries, to cast fraudulent votes under the guise of Armenian citizenship.
Georgia’s Role: A Regional Firewall
Georgia’s interception of the forged documents highlights its growing role as a stabilizing force in the South Caucasus. The DLD party praised Georgian institutions for their vigilance, noting that such actions not only protect Armenia’s electoral process but also reinforce regional trust and democratic norms.
“This warning is critical,” Ghukasyan wrote, urging that the intelligence be shared with European partners and EU observation missions. “International bodies must treat this threat with utmost seriousness and take appropriate measures.”
Opposition Calls for International Oversight
The DLD party has pledged full cooperation with Georgian authorities and expressed readiness to assist in exposing and dismantling illegal electoral mechanisms. Ghukasyan emphasized that all responsible parties—regardless of political affiliation or legal status—must be held accountable.
The letter also called on European institutions to take note of the threat and ensure that international observers are fully briefed ahead of the 2026 elections. “We must not allow democratic processes to be hijacked by those who fear the will of the people,” Ghukasyan stated.
📢 What’s Next?
This incident raises urgent questions about the integrity of Armenia’s upcoming elections and the lengths to which certain actors may go to retain power. As the country approaches a pivotal political moment, transparency, vigilance, and international cooperation will be key to ensuring a fair and credible outcome.
Public Reaction & Call for Action
The Armenian people must demand accountability and take action to ensure that leaders uphold the integrity of public office. With mounting pressure from opposition leaders and watchdog organizations, the unfolding investigation will determine whether these allegations hold weight—or if they are merely political maneuvering. Regardless, the controversy underscores the importance of financial accountability in governance.
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