Police raid Russian media outlet Baza amid investigation into police misconduct Updated

Russian authorities have detained Gleb Trifonov, the editor-in-chief of the investigative outlet Baza, for questioning as part of a criminal investigation into alleged abuse of office under Article 286 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Searches were carried out at the newsroom, Trifonov’s residence, and in several regions, including Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk and Belgorod, Caliber.Az reports, citing Baza’s official Telegram channel.

The investigation reportedly centres on allegations that unidentified police officers unlawfully shared restricted information, which was later published via a Telegram channel.

The editorial team says they have been unable to establish contact with Trifonov since his detention.

Officers are reported to have confiscated mobile phones, computers and documents from the media outlet’s premises. Two journalists remain in the newsroom with law enforcement, and their legal status is currently unclear.

One female journalist has been taken to a police station, where her devices were seized.

Authorities have not specified the charges being considered against the journalists, but the raids are believed to be linked to the broader investigation into police misconduct involving unauthorised leaks of sensitive information.

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Russian police have raided the offices of the investigative media outlet Baza, with its editor-in-chief reportedly detained under unclear circumstances, amid a separate criminal investigation into alleged abuse of power by law enforcement officers.

Searches were carried out in several regions, including Moscow, Krasnodar and Krasnoyarsk territories, as well as Belgorod region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Baza’s official Telegram channel.

According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, a case has been opened against police officials accused of sharing restricted information, which was allegedly later published on a Telegram channel. 

It remains unclear whether this probe is directly connected to the police search of Baza’s offices and the disappearance of its editor-in-chief, Gleb Trifonov.

On July 22, police and riot officers arrived at both Baza’s newsroom and Trifonov’s apartment. 

Neighbours later reported seeing him taken away by unidentified officers. His current whereabouts are unknown, and colleagues, family, and lawyers say they have been unable to contact him.

Shortly after, law enforcement entered Baza’s office, and staff members reportedly stopped responding to calls and messages. The reason for the police operation remains unclear.

Baza has suggested the action may be linked to a criminal case launched in one of Russia’s regions, though no official explanation has been provided.

By Aghakazim Guliyev