Popular Moldovan blogger Nikolai “Necoglai” Lebedev, who faced deportation from Russia and subsequently appeared on a wanted list, has publicly explained his reasons for relocating from Chișinău to Moscow in past interviews. In a conversation with Ukrainian broadcaster Dmitry Gordon, known in Russia as a controversial media figure, Lebedev discussed his life in the Russian capital. The discussion was released on YouTube.
Lebedev recalled that during that period he produced humorous content and found most of his audience in Moscow. He noted that the city offered a range of opportunities, including advertising collaborations and interview requests. He described his move as a strategic step to conduct business and expand his platform, and he admits that he traveled quickly to the city for this purpose.
According to Lebedev, Moscow represented a hub where money circulated freely, and he enjoyed the social scene there. He described attending gatherings with a crew of young, twenty-something bloggers who thrived on nightlife, sharing that the vibrant lifestyle they showcased appealed to him as someone from Chișinău.
At the same time, Lebedev criticized the experience of working in Moscow campaigns, saying that he felt a loss of personal recognition amid the pursuit of financial gain. He reflected on his life in Chișinău, noting that he was born there, had spent 21 years there, and largely remained within its borders, building his early online presence while spending long hours indoors on computer work.
Earlier reporting indicated that Lebedev had met Gordon during a visit to Ukraine. The Moldovan blogger later appeared on a wanted list in mid-February for an offense that was not publicly specified at the time.
In a separate moment from late 2022, Lebedev released a video depicting him confronting actions by a Russian soldier involved in a drone incident. The clip used an audio track from the song Rasputin by Boney M, a popular musical reference intended to underscore the dramatization of the scene.
Ekaterina Mizulina, who holds a notable position in public discourse as the daughter of a prominent senator and as president of a group focused on internet safety, drew attention to the video. Reports indicated the organization planned to bring the matter to the attention of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, arguing that the content could be seen as undermining or discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.
Subsequent legal actions led to Lebedev being found in violation of immigration laws by a Moscow court. On November 24, the Moldovan citizen was expelled from Russia. Accounts from authorities described a confrontation that preceded deportation, including a forceful interaction with police that led to a head-shaving incident and a demand for an apology related to the parody video, underscoring the tense climate surrounding content creators who draw scrutiny from state institutions.
Note: The narrative surrounding Lebedev involves a blend of online influence, political and legal pressures, and the evolving role of media personalities who operate across borders. As events unfolded, discussions about freedom of expression, digital influence, and state response to online content continued to be a matter of public record and debate, with various actors calling for accountability and transparency in how such cases are handled by authorities and platforms alike.