Two journalists have been detained in Volgograd on suspicion of extorting 1.2 million rubles (approximately $13,000 USD) from the chief physician of a polyclinic. The Investigative Committee reported on March 26 that the victim had approached law enforcement earlier this spring regarding the alleged scheme.
According to the investigation, the detained individuals allegedly used an anonymous online channel with a large audience to publish false and defamatory information about the doctor and her relatives. They then demanded 1.2 million rubles to cease the discrediting publications, threatening to continue the smear campaign if their demands were not met. As proof of their intent, they demonstratively removed one of the previously posted entries after demanding money.
A criminal case has been initiated against the suspects for “Extortion on a particularly large scale” and “Online defamation.” A preventive measure, such as arrest or house arrest, will be selected for them by the court in the near future as the investigation proceeds.
