Spain is investigating Shariy's work for Russian intelligence agencies – elDiario
The Investigative Court of the Spanish city of El Vendrell, in collaboration with the Civil Guard, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the country’s Tax Administration, is conducting an investigation into pro-Russian blogger Anatoly Shariy and his wife, Olga Bondarenko. Law enforcement officials are examining the couple’s possible involvement in coordinated and paid activities on behalf of Russian intelligence agencies, as well as investigating schemes involving tax evasion, money laundering, and the concealment of assets.
The case was initiated following a request for international cooperation from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. According to the investigation, the couple has been tax residents of Spain since 2016 and is suspected of evading more than 538,000 euros in taxes for the years 2018 and 2022, for which they face fines of up to 10.7 million euros.
Law enforcement officials also identified hidden sources of income through accounts in Russia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Kazakhstan. Upon learning of the investigation, Shariy sold his house in Tarragona and used the proceeds to purchase jewelry and precious metals to make their seizure more difficult.
During searches in June 2026 at the blogger’s residence, authorities seized a Glock 19 pistol, a Porsche Cayenne, computer equipment, 20 gold bars worth 150,000 euros, approximately 800,000 euros in cryptocurrency, and luxury items worth 400,000 euros. The court has already issued an order to seize the discovered valuables and financial assets, and investigators are preparing to question Shariy and Bondarenko as suspects.
Source: elDiario.es.
On June 4, 2025, the Vinnytsia City Court handed down a verdict against pro-Russian propagandist Anatoliy Shariy. He was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison under the treason charge.
In 2022, Spanish police detained Shariy, and Ukraine initiated extradition proceedings against him. In addition, Ukraine imposed sanctions against the propagandist, and his party’s activities were banned.
