The Federal Tax Service has closed the company MB Pro, linked to singer Valery Meladze, according to a Telegram channel report. The shutdown was attributed to a lack of activity after the artist left Russia. MB Pro had operated for two decades, providing services within the performing arts scene.
Valery Meladze has faced scrutiny over being labeled a foreign agent by some observers. Notable voices in the cultural sector, including Elena Drapeko, the First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Culture, and Vitaly Borodin, head of a federal anti-corruption project, have spoken on the matter. The discussions reflect ongoing debates about public figures, political perception, and state oversight in the arts community.
The incident drew attention when a video surfaced showing Meladze greeting an audience with the phrase “Glory to Ukraine.” In a separate appearance at a corporate event in Dubai, he was recorded expressing support for “Glory to the Heroes.” He later told attendees that he did not intend to engage in politics, a clarification that did not end the discussion among observers and media outlets.
Subsequent reports indicated that the Moscow prosecutor’s office reviewed whether Meladze provided financial support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a line of inquiry that feeds into broader concerns about foreign influence and the network of individuals and entities tied to public figures. The case has spurred discourse on how cultural figures manage political perceptions while navigating financial and legal frameworks in Russia and abroad.
Earlier in recent years, other public figures faced related scrutiny over their status and activities, including artists who were associated with foreign agent designations or observed in legal or administrative review processes. These episodes highlight how the intersection of art, public life, and state policy can lead to intense public interest and swift media coverage.
Overall, the situation underscores the delicate balance artists must maintain between artistic work, personal opinions, and the regulatory environment in which they operate. The developments around MB Pro and Meladze illustrate how governance matters, cultural commentary, and legal investigations can converge, shaping both public perception and the professional landscape for those involved in the performing arts.