Russia confiscates over $100 million from Google for propaganda of war in Ukraine - Telegraph
Russian leader Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russian authorities have confiscated more than $100 million from Google, reports The Telegraph. According to court documents, Moscow spent the money to finance propaganda for the war in Ukraine.
In 2022, bailiffs seized funds from Google's Russian accounts, leading to the bankruptcy of its Russian division. The seized money was transferred to Russian TV channels such as RT and Tsargrad to support the Kremlin's war.
Google stated that the amount the company had to pay under the court decision was significantly less than the amount seized. In response, the company has filed lawsuits against RT, Tsargrad TV, and NFPT in the United States and England, and is seeking to block the rights of these broadcasters to pursue its assets in other countries.
Russian courts have found that Google owes Tsargrad 32.8 billion rubles (£273 million), but the amount could grow significantly with daily fines. Google accuses the Russian courts of applying arbitrary sanctions and fines in an attempt to punish the company for complying with international sanctions.
Russian propaganda
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has been actively spreading fake information on the Internet and on its TV channels. Deepfakes with government and military officials have appeared on social media.
Earlier, the Russians spread false reports of an offensive near Ryzhivka in Sumy region. This information was denied by the defense forces.
Read more about Russia's goals in spreading fakes about the “capture” of Ryzhivka in RBC-Ukraine's article.
