×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Russia Labels Exiled Banker Tinkov ‘Foreign Agent'

Anton Vaganov / TASS

Exiled banking magnate Oleg Tinkov was declared a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities Friday over his opposition to the conflict in Ukraine.

The 56-year-old is best known for founding Tinkoff Bank, one of Russia's largest lenders behind state giants Sberbank and VTB.

The Justice Ministry said it added him to its foreign agents list after he "disseminated false information" about the authorities.

It said Tinkov also "opposed the special military operation in Ukraine," using the Kremlin's preferred term for its military assault.

Russia has labeled hundreds of people "foreign agents," a term it applies to those it sees as traitors and enemies of the state.

The self-made tycoon renounced his Russian citizenship in 2022 in protest at the conflict, which he called a "massacre."

He quit his role as CEO of Tinkoff in 2020 and faced pressure to sell his shares in the bank after his comments opposing the offensive.

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more