The information about the search for Alexander Plyushchev and Galina Timchenko was discovered by «Mediazona»* in the agency's database.
Previously, no official announcement was made about a criminal case against Plyushchev. However, in early May, the state agency RIA «Novosti», citing a source among law enforcement, reported that the author of the YouTube channel The Breakfast Show was being investigated under the article on evading the duties of a «foreign agent».
The Ministry of Justice included Plyushchev in the register of «foreign agents» in October 2022. Later, he was fined several times for non-compliance with the «foreign agent» legislation — for failing to provide the Ministry of Justice with the appropriate report and for publications without «foreign agent» labeling.
A criminal case was initiated against the founder and publisher of «Meduza» Galina Timchenko in May under the article «on organizing the activities of an undesirable organization». The investigation accuses her of publishing videos «to form protest sentiments among citizens», as well as «to involve them in the activities of an undesirable organization» in September 2024 and in March 2025.
The Prosecutor General's Office declared «Meduza» an «undesirable» organization in January 2023. At that time, the agency explained that the publication's activities «pose a threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the Russian Federation». In August 2024, Galina Timchenko was declared a «foreign agent».
The agency justified the inclusion in the list by stating that she participated in creating materials of «foreign agents», spoke out against the war in Ukraine, and also spread «fakes» about the Russian authorities and army.
* Recognized as «foreign agents» in Russia.
** Recognized as a «foreign agent» and an «undesirable» organization in Russia.