By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia has launched a probe into fake video clips posted on internet that show ballot stuffing for the March 4 presidential polls, an official said Thursday.
The probe was launched by the Investigative Committee, said committee spokesman Vladimir Markin.
The clips — already dated March 4, well ahead of the ballotting — record alleged ballot rigging at polling stations, he said.
Criminal charges could be pressed against the people who had produced and disseminated the clip material, he said.
The committee will also look into reports that said absentee ballots were being bought and sold ahead of the polls.
Prime Minister and presidential hopeful Vladimir Putin has said he knew the opposition was making preparations to stuff ballot boxes and use video clips to discredit the polls.