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Russian-backed “propaganda” networks have been dismantled for spreading anti-Ukrainian stories and paying unnamed European politicians, authorities in several countries say.
Investigators alleged that the popular website “Voice of Europe” was used as a means to pay politicians.
The Czech Republic and Poland said the network was aimed at influencing European elections.
The Voice of Europe did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
Czech media reported, citing the national intelligence agency BIS, that politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary were paid by Voice of Europe to influence elections to the European Parliament.
According to German newspaper Der Spiegel, the funds were either handed over in cash at a secret meeting in Prague or through a cryptocurrency exchange.
Pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk is claimed by the Czech Republic to be behind the network.
Mr. Medvedchuk was arrested in Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion, but was later transferred to Russia along with about 50 prisoners in exchange for 215 Ukrainians.
Czech authorities also named Artem Malczewski, claiming he was in charge of the day-to-day operations of the website. Both men were sanctioned by Czech authorities.
Polish intelligence said it had carried out searches in the Warsaw and Tychy areas and seized 48,500 euros (41,500 pounds) and $36,000 (28,500 pounds).
“Funds from Moscow are being used to pay some politicians who have spread Russian propaganda,” BIS said in a statement.
It added that the amount amounted to “several million” Czech crowns (tens of thousands of pounds).
BIS said the alleged propaganda network was “aimed at carrying out activities contrary to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”
BIS has not released the names of the politicians allegedly involved. However, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo insisted that members of the European Parliament were among them.
“For example, it became clear that Russia approached members of Congress, but also paid them.” [them]To promote Russian propaganda here,” Decroo told Belgian parliamentarians.
The Voice of Europe website went offline on Thursday. An archived version of the agency’s homepage contained several articles highlighting internal divisions within European countries and expressing skepticism about aid to Ukraine.
These include “Prague Protests: Corruption, Military Aid to Ukraine, and the People’s Voice Against the Government” and “Ukraine’s Army Faces Growing Shortage Amid Continued Challenges.” It will be done.
Voice of Europe had over 180,000 followers on Twitter/X. The magazine did not respond to requests for comment.
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