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The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Russia is examining Maria Gunina, who serves as Strategy Director for the esports squad 9Pandas. He faces questions related to alleged funding of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and possible ties to extremist activities, according to reports. [citation]

According to sources cited in the investigation, Gunina reportedly received a complaint from an esports spectator who highlighted his social media activity. The posts are described as showing support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and urging followers to emulate that support. [citation]

Within the 9Pandas organization, there are active Dota 2 and CS:GO teams. The teams are composed of Russian players, yet they are registered under the Serbian flag and have based themselves in Serbia, where Gunina resides. There was prior commentary about Gunina opting not to display the Russian flag on a widely used esports information platform. [citation]

The team roster features players such as Solo, RAMZES666, kiyotaka, MieRo, Antares, alongside the coaching staff, including Nofear and Inverno, the latter of whom began his esports journey in 2013. [citation]

Earlier discussions have referenced plans for universities in Russia to establish facilities for training e-sports athletes, signaling a broader push to develop competitive gaming in the region. [citation]