Russia’s Black Friday battle against fakes Paid Members Public
The Black Friday sales in Russia saw another huge increase in online shopping — as well as more fraud. Scams included fake sites mimicking popular online marketplaces, and even sellers who tried to trick their own customers with fake discounts. * One of the most popular scams targeting Russian consumers this Black
November to be worst month of 2021 for Russian markets Paid Members Public
November isn’t over yet, but it’s already clear it will be the worst month of the year on the Russian markets. With the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus strain last week causing global markets to nosedive, some fear these losses are only the start. * In many ways, the
Russian prisons boss fired amid evidence of torture Paid Members Public
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired Alexander Kalashnikov from his position as head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). In the absence of any official explanation, experts linked the dismissal to recent, high-profile allegations of torture in Russian prisons, and infighting within the security services. Kalashnikov’s replacement was
State-owned tech firm Rusnano faces possible default Paid Members Public
Set-up to nurture innovation and help diversify the Russian economy, state-owned Rusnano was this week facing the possibility of a default. Rusnano managers were reportedly locked in debt restructure negotiations with investors after trading of the company’s bonds was suspended. The saga has led to questions about whether state-driven
State social media Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about the sale of one of Russia’s biggest internet holdings — that includes popular social network Vkontakte — to two state-owned companies. We also look at a jailed YouTube blogger who alleges he was threatened by investigators, and the scams that plagued Black Friday
Market woes Paid Members Public
Hello! This week our top story is about why November is the worst month this year for Russian markets. We also look at the dismissal of the head of Russia’s penitentiary service following revelations about prison torture, and the possibility of a default for state-owned Rusnano — a company supposed
Online streaming platforms face regulation, censorship Paid Members Public
Online movie streaming in Russia has become so popular it’s beginning to attract government attention — in the form of fines, restrictions, even bans. There were several examples of this last week. Online streaming looks like it will end up being as heavily censored as Russian television. * Media watchdog Roskomnadzor
Special investment funds tap officials as clients Paid Members Public
State-owned banks VTB and Sber launched specialized mutual investment funds last week aimed at government officials who are restricted by law when it comes to the ownership of foreign securities. * Russian legislation prevents officials from holding accounts with banks based outside of Russia, or to own — or use — foreign financial
