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Ksenia Sobchak, Moscow, Presnensky District Court of Moscow

Ksenia Sobchak Flees Russia Amid Probe Into Extortion Case

Russian socialite and former presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak has reportedly fled Russia amid an ongoing extortion probe.

Sobchak, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, is accused of extorting 11 million rubles ($186,000) from a prominent businessman. She has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.

The Investigation and Sobchak's Response

The extortion investigation began in October 2022, when the businessman, Sergey Chemezov, alleged that Sobchak and her commercial director, Kirill Sukhanov, had demanded money in exchange for removing negative information about him from a Telegram channel.

Sobchak has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that she had no involvement in extortion and that the case is an attempt to silence her criticism of the government.

Sobchak's Departure from Russia

On October 26, 2023, Sobchak reportedly left Russia for Lithuania, where she has citizenship. Her departure came just days after police raided her home and office in Moscow as part of the investigation.

Implications for Putin's Critics

Sobchak's flight from Russia has raised concerns among opposition figures, who see it as a sign of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent.

In recent years, several high-profile Putin critics have been imprisoned or forced into exile, including Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ilya Yashin.

International Condemnation

Sobchak's case has drawn international condemnation, with Western governments and human rights groups calling for her safe return and the dropping of the charges against her.

The United States has expressed “deep concern” over the investigation and has urged Russia to respect freedom of expression.

Prospects for the Case's Resolution

The outcome of the extortion case against Sobchak remains uncertain. The Russian authorities have indicated that they intend to pursue the investigation, but it is possible that the case could be dropped or that Sobchak could be acquitted.

If Sobchak is convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

Conclusion

The ongoing extortion probe into Ksenia Sobchak is a major development in the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent. Sobchak's flight from Russia sends a chilling message to government critics and raises concerns about the future of free speech in the country.