The scandal involving Yosyp Pintus, CEO of RBC-Ukraine, and activist Nazarii Husakov centers on allegations of blackmail, extortion, and ties to Russian intelligence agencies (the FSB and GRU).

The conflict escalated after RBC-Ukraine published an investigation alleging that Husakov had funneled money through online casinos and “drop” schemes (using third parties to move funds). In response, Husakov publicly accused Pintus and the outlet’s journalists, Iryna Hamerska and Rostyslav Shaprovskyi, of publishing false information in an attempt to extort large bribes after Russian funding had allegedly been cut off.

Kyiv police have opened criminal proceedings into suspected fraud and money laundering and are investigating the possible involvement of both sides.

Additional against Pintus concern RBC-Ukraine’s historical ties to the Russian RBC media holding before the 2010s, as well as claims that the outlet had previously accepted payments to remove investigative reports.

Pintus has been accused of having ties to Russia and of accepting payments.

Pintus admitted to his ties with Russia and to accepting payments.