RBC Ukraine reports pressure, smear attempts over reporting on Husakov case (udpated)

Photo by RBC Ukraine

Online media outlet RBC Ukraine is being targeted in a campaign of pressure and obstruction of legal reporting due to their news story about activist Nazariy Husakov, the media outlet reported on July 17.

The news outlet says they have been observing an organized campaign to discredit the organization and its management, which is becoming systematic. “In recent days, several anonymous Telegram channels and disreputable websites have been spreading false information about Yosyp Pintus, the CEO majority owner of RBC Ukraine. The campaign started immediately following RBC Ukraine’s coverage of the activities of Nazariy Husakov and the schemes related to his withdrawal of funds through multiple gambling companies,” the media outlet's statement says.

The news story in question was released on July 15, 2025, under the headline “Activist Husakov received money through 'bank drops' and withdrew it through casinos, sources say”.

The team believes that these actions are retaliation for their journalism and are meant to intimidate them.

“In response to the news story, which was based on credible documents and data from law enforcement agencies, gambling businesses launched an attack in which RBC Ukraine's ties with the persons featured in the story are unfoundedly alleged.

"In particular, the companies IBOX BANK and LeoGaming are involved in a disinformation campaign alleging our team was whitewashing Husakov’s reputation, which is not at all true of RBC Ukraine's work,” the statement says.

Screenshot by RBC Ukraine

The media outlet considers these statements regarding the RBC Ukraine CEO, promoted by gambling businesses as well as anonymous news publishers, an attempt to exert pressure and interfere with independent journalism.

RBC Ukraine is filing a complaint with the National Police regarding obstruction of their professional reporting and discrediting the media outlet.

“We call on government officials, the journalist community, and the public to pay due attention to these attempts at media pressure,” the statement says.

The team also reminded the readers of their earlier coverage of Nazariy Husakov's bank accounts receiving many transfers for the same amounts from dozens of persons with foreign names, which points to a "bank drop" scheme.

The editorial staff also reported that the National Police had opened two cases for fraud and money laundering following a scandal involving Lviv resident Nazariy Husakov.

Updated at 17:54. The Kyiv police have launched a pre-trial investigation in the case under Article 171 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: obstruction of legal reporting, the Kyiv police reports.

“The investigation was opened following an official statement by a prominent Ukrainian media outlet, RBC Ukraine, regarding possible pressure on the publication's editorial team and attempts to discredit their work,” the police said.

The police are establishing all the details of the incident, identifying individuals who may have been involved, and collecting the necessary evidence.