Investigators questioned home-grown editor Denis Allayarov about his alleged involvement.
Blast from URA.RU: The Unraveling Scandal
In a shocking turn of events, Denis Allayarov, chief editor of the Sverdlovsk-based news outlet URA.RU, finds himself embroiled in a heated controversy. Accusations of corruption have surfaced, with the publication claiming that Allayarov allegedly handed over 20,000 rubles to his uncle, Andrei Karpanov, as stated in an official statement.
Karpanov, a former head of the criminal investigation department OP No 10, has been in hot water before. He's a key figure in a criminal case involving two charges: "taking a bribe" and "abusing official powers." It's speculated that this family connection may be Karpanov's attempt to ease his own accusations. Denis categorically denies these allegations, dismissing the claim of a bribe as baseless. A thorough investigation by URA.RU has yielded no evidence of the supposed bribe being exchanged with a police officer. The information remains unverified, at best.
URA.RU labeled the raids on their agency as provocative, while they condemn the pressure being exerted on the media. Karpanov was dismissed from his post for misconduct, effectively barring him from ever joining any government institutions, according to our sources.RU. Valeri Gorodyuk, head of the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Sverdlovsk region, confirmed this.
Two higher-ups in Karpanov's former department at the police were subjected to strict disciplinary measures following an internal review, as reported by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
What Went Down at URA.RU's Office
On June 5, law enforcement officials stormed the URA.RU office on Karl Liebknecht Street, conducting searches in several staff members' offices and homes, including Allayarov's. The primary motive for the investigations seems to be the acquisition and use of confidential information allegedly purchased from a police officer (presumably Karpanov).
Allayarov faces up to eight years in prison for bribery charges, with a hearing scheduled for June 6. Karpanov faces a stiffer penalty of up to 15 years.
The URA.RU is owned by businessmen Alexei Bobrov and Artem Bikov. Trouble is brewing in their other ventures as well. For instance, their Obkommunenergo company faces potential repossession of 19 assets approximately a month after the resignation of the governor of the Sverdlovsk region, Evgeny Kuyvashev. The Prosecutor's Office of the Sverdlovsk region filed a lawsuit requesting the transfer of these assets to municipal ownership.
[1] Kommersant: "Scandals engulf Sverdlovsk-based media outlet URA.RU"[2] The Bell: "Corruption allegations rock URA.RU: a tale of power, money, and secrets"[3] Our sources.RU: "Inside the investigations and repercussions at URA.RU: an exclusive interview with the key players"
In the wake of the ongoing scandal, URA.RU, a news outlet known for its general-news and crime-and-justice coverage, is embroiled in a political crisis. Besides the current controversy surrounding Denis Allayarov, the chief editor, they are also grappling with allegations of bribery and the misuse of confidential information, placing them firmly in the spotlight of the news. The investigation into the scandal, involving former police official Andrei Karpanov, continues to unfold, offering glimpses into the intricate world of politics and crime.
