Russian Pro-War Outlet Founder Arrested for $13M Drone Fraud
Alexei Kostylev, the founder of the Russian pro-war media outlet Readovka, was arrested on charges of fraud amounting to approximately $13 million. His detention occurred on February 25, 2023, following an investigation by Russian authorities.
Details of the Arrest
The investigative outlet Meduza reported that Kostylev’s arrest was linked to a project in the Smolensk region. The project was the proposed construction of a recreation base known as “Korsiki-Rukhanskie.” Kostylev faces allegations of misappropriating funds intended for drone procurement under contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.
- Date of Arrest: February 25, 2023
- Charges: Fraud under Russian law
- Amount Involved: $13 million
- Location: Smolensk region
Kostylev and Readovka
Kostylev established Readovka in 2011 as a social media page on VK. Initially, the outlet maintained a nationalist perspective but shifted to a pro-Kremlin stance by 2021 after facing temporary blocks. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Readovka has gained significant popularity among pro-war audiences, amassing over two million followers.
Ownership and Control
By 2022, reports suggested that Readovka had come under the influence of entities associated with Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman and founder of the Wagner Group. Prigozhin led a short-lived mutiny in 2023 before his reported death.
The holding company for Readovka stated it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. They emphasized that the criminal case against Kostylev is unrelated to their operations in media and information distribution.
Impact on Russian Media
This arrest highlights ongoing tensions within the Russian pro-war media landscape. Authorities have indicated intentions to exert legal pressure on outspoken military bloggers. This crackdown comes amid significant infighting and complaints regarding the management of the Defense Ministry.
As the situation develops, the implications for media outlets like Readovka remain uncertain. The case continues to unfold as investigators pursue further details related to the alleged fraud.
