Russian-backed propaganda network 'Voice of Europe' for spreading anti-Ukraine stories and paying unnamed European politicians has been broken up, according to authorities in several countries
Russian-backed propaganda network 'Voice of Europe' for spreading anti-Ukraine stories and paying unnamed European politicians has been broken up, according to authorities in several countries
Polish and Czech police say network used Russian money and popular website to push anti-Ukraine narratives.
Cross-posted from: https://feddit.de/post/10498104
Investigators claimed it used the popular Voice of Europe website as a vehicle to pay politicians.
The Czech Republic and Poland said the network aimed to influence European politics.
Czech media, citing intelligence sources, reported that politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary were paid by Voice of Europe in order to influence upcoming elections for the European Parliament.
Pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk is alleged by the Czech Republic to be behind the network.
Mr Medvedchuk was arrested in Ukraine soon after the Russian invasion, but later transferred to Russia with about 50 prisoners of war in exchange for 215 Ukrainians.
The President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, has written to President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, calling for the launch of an immediate and transparent investigation, in cooperation with national authorities, to uncover the scale of the influence operation conducted by Russia within the European Parliament and allegations of potential corruption. Disciplinary action must be swiftly taken against any MEPs or candidates involved.
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'European voters need to know if their MEPs or candidates in the upcoming elections are working with the support of Russia or its proxies. Democracy in Europe must be defended from external threats at all costs,' [Ms. Hayer wrote.]