Putin’s Regime Diverts $100 Million from Google to Bolster War Efforts

Russian authorities have confiscated over $100 million (£76 million) from Google to support pro-Kremlin propaganda channels, according to court filings. These funds, taken from Google’s Russian bank accounts in 2022, have been allocated to state-backed media organizations promoting Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Documents reveal that the seizure, which led to the bankruptcy of Google’s Russian subsidiary, was executed by bailiffs following a Moscow court ruling. The court had ordered Google to pay damages to Tsargrad TV, a channel affiliated with Orthodox oligarch Konstantin Malofeev. Subsequently, bankruptcy administrators disbursed the seized assets to Russian media outlets including RT and Tsargrad TV, both of which pledged to use the funds to bolster the Kremlin’s military campaign.

In response, Google has initiated legal action against RT, Tsargrad TV, and NFPT in U.S. and English courts, seeking to prevent the broadcasters from pursuing its assets in international jurisdictions such as South Africa, Turkey, and Serbia.

The seized amount substantially exceeded the court’s initial judgment, which was less than $12.5 million (one billion roubles). Google’s court filings indicate that Tsargrad TV received the full billion roubles from the seizure, which it plans to channel into supporting the Russian war effort.

Google has criticized the Russian legal system for imposing “unprecedented fines and arbitrary legal penalties” in retaliation for the company’s compliance with international sanctions against Russian entities. The search giant is also contending with Turkish court proceedings, where Tsargrad TV is demanding further compensation, reportedly amounting to 32.8 billion roubles (£273 million). Given that daily penalties double every 24 hours, the total could potentially surpass Google’s market value.

The legal battles reflect the broader geopolitical tensions, with Google striving to navigate the complex and punitive measures enacted by Russian authorities amid ongoing conflicts.