Dubai-based journalist Andrey Karaulov faces a new defamation case in Russia as authorities search nearly twenty addresses in and around Moscow
A defamation claim has been filed again against journalist Andrey Karaulov, who resides in Dubai, with law enforcement reporting a wave of searches across about twenty addresses in and around Moscow. The mechanism behind the case centers on statements made by film director Nikita Mikhalkov, whose public comments about deforestation activities in the Nizhny Novgorod region are cited by investigators as the basis for the new criminal proceeding. Authorities have identified Karaulov as the defendant in the case, while Mikhalkov is listed as a victim in the official document, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the matter. The case is linked to alleged false statements made by Karaulov about environmental issues tied to the director’s public remarks.
The investigation followed an audit of the director’s public accusations and the region involved, which led investigators to initiate proceedings. In the course of the inquiry, law enforcement conducted searches at nearly twenty sites scattered across Moscow and the surrounding Moscow Region as part of the probe. The case was originally opened in Nizhny Novgorod, but it was later transferred to Moscow for additional examination. In Moscow, a parallel case with similar charges against Karaulov is reported to be under review by the same investigative body. Local officials have not issued a formal statement about the allegations or the ongoing investigations, and representatives connected to Karaulov have not provided comments for publication. Various officials and observers note the procedural steps, including the transfer of jurisdiction and the breadth of the search activities.
Earlier, in the preceding year, authorities added Karaulov to a federal wanted list, with a registry card appearing in the relevant database. Reports indicate that prior searches were conducted at the journalist’s residence, prompted by a claim related to unverified reporting. Karaulov has stated that he is currently in the United Arab Emirates, and there are suggestions that the Interior Ministry is aware of his location. The situation raises questions about press reporting, accountability, and the use of defamation laws in high-profile cases, with observers pointing to the tension between investigative actions and journalistic freedoms. This development is reflected in ongoing coverage and analysis from multiple sources familiar with the case, including commentary on the broader implications for media professionals who operate internationally. The material continues to unfold as authorities pursue their investigations and as parties involved respond to inquiries through official channels and media discussions.