Armenian police officers have arrested more than 40 people in connection with a large-scale vote-buying scheme uncovered just as the country heads into its June 7 parliamentary elections.

The operation came to light during a separate money laundering investigation and is believed to involve a parliamentary candidate from the Strong Armenia political bloc, The Caspian Post reports via Armenpress.

Investigators noted that the candidate and several accomplices distributed cash payments ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 drams (about $250 to $1,250) to more than 100 voters in the city of Artashat in exchange for electoral support.

Law enforcement officers say the payments were intended to secure votes for the Strong Armenia bloc, while additional funds were reportedly distributed to other voters as part of the scheme.

Police officers continue to carry out searches and investigative actions to identify and detain other individuals suspected of participating in the network. The case has emerged as one of the most significant election-related corruption investigations ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary vote.