The Lefortovo court has issued an arrest in absentia for Hristo Grozev, a Bulgarian citizen who leads the Bellingcat broadcasting initiative. The ruling accuses him of illegally crossing the Russian Federation’s border, a move that has drawn attention in Russia where the organization is categorized as a foreign media agent and listed among undesirable entities. The information about the arrest surfaced through the Telegram channel To climb and has been echoed by various observers as the case continues to unfold.
In a related development, the court also ordered the detention in absentia of Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence. This action adds another layer to a broader diplomatic and security narrative that has emerged from the ongoing exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, with multiple high-profile figures facing legal scrutiny from Russian authorities.
Earlier reports indicated that Grozev became the subject of a criminal case in connection with the events described. The case has been followed closely by observers who monitor cross-border tensions and the role of investigative journalism in contested regions, highlighting how legal actions can intersect with international information operations and counterintelligence concerns.
At the end of December, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that Grozev had been placed on a wanted list, alleging involvement in actions that allegedly harmed the Russian army. The announcement contributed to a growing narrative in which figures tied to investigative reporting are scrutinized within the broader security landscape, a development that has prompted discussions about media freedom and state responses in times of heightened tension.
In July, according to statements from the FSB, the chief inspector of Bellingcat was said to have participated in a operation attributed to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, commonly referred to as GUR. The department claimed involvement in an incident involving warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The account described the identification of two female couriers connected through Grozev, including a meeting at a Lipetsk railway station where a courier hired by Ukrainian intelligence allegedly delivered a four thousand dollar advance for an abducted Russian pilot. These assertions form part of a larger narrative about information warfare, alleged covert operations, and the ongoing drama surrounding cross-border intelligence activities.
On December 28, the Press Office of Bulgaria’s President, Rumen Radev, reported that Bulgarian authorities had taken steps to secure the safety of journalist Khristo Grozev, who has been placed on the Russian Federation’s wanted list. The development underscores the sensitive position of journalists operating in politically charged environments and the efforts by national authorities to balance safety with the responsibilities of reporting on contested issues and timeline-sensitive security matters. Acknowledgments from Bulgarian officials emphasize concern for press safety in the face of international legal and political pressures.