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The Armenian authorities have spent huge sums of money to wiretap the phone of head of the opposition With Honor faction Artur Vanetsyan, he told reporters in the parliament on Thursday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Vanetsyan said he had received a warning letter from Apple that state-sponsored attackers may be targeting his phone, using Pegasus spyware.

Vanetsyan stated that several versions of the spyware had been installed on his phone.

“They have been found by overseas-qualified professionals. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent to infect my phone, according to various estimates," said Vanetsyan, the former National Security Service director, adding he will provide all the facts to the competent authorities.

The MP explained that Pegasus has features performing various functions; for example, one of them can show the phone contacts, while another can download the files and photos.

Vanetsyan noted that several months ago he changed his phone number, using the old one exclusively to "convey something to the people who are wiretapping."

Also, he stated that he, as well as his guests, are constantly being tracked.

The lawmaker emphasized that if the special services refute his announcements, he will release facts substantiating his claims.