Editor-in-chief of "The Insider" placed on Russia’s federal wanted list

The Russian Interior Ministry has officially added Timur Olevsky, editor-in-chief of The Insider (designated in Russia as a “foreign agent”), to its federal wanted list.

His name now appears in the ministry’s database of wanted persons, which also notes his inclusion in the register of foreign agents.

According to Russian media, the search is connected to a criminal case, though the specific article of the Criminal Code has not been disclosed. In July 2024, the Moscow prosecutor’s office reported that a case had been opened against Olevsky for his work with The Insider, which Russian authorities classify as a foreign agent publication.

This is not the first time Olevsky has faced prosecution. In 2023, he was fined for participating in the activities of what Russia considers an “undesirable organisation,” namely The Insider. He has also faced financial penalties: bailiffs initiated enforcement proceedings against him over unpaid debts, including more than 105,000 roubles in loans and additional unpaid enforcement fees.

The Insider itself, headquartered in Riga, Latvia, is widely known for its investigative reporting on Russia and Eastern Europe. In recent years, the outlet and its leadership have frequently been the targets of lawsuits, particularly cases alleging reputational damage. Most of these suits, according to Russian judicial records, have been decided against the publication.

By Tamilla Hasanova