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Telegram Blocks ‘VChK-OGPU’ Channel, Citing Doxing and Extortion

The move targets a high-profile channel previously labeled a foreign agent in Russia.

Overview

  • RIA Novosti reports the channel is now inaccessible and displays a platform notice saying it was blocked for doxing and extortion.
  • Current Time says Telegram’s administration reported the action and notes that posts mirrored to a backup channel also disappeared.
  • Russia’s Justice Ministry placed VChK-OGPU on the foreign‑agent registry in July 2024, a designation that increased legal scrutiny of the outlet.
  • The channel was previously removed in April 2025, according to coverage at the time, with Telegram denying involvement then.
  • One associate of the project, identified as Artyom Shalyakin of the LISA BASILIO channel, was reported detained in Russia on October 30, according to the project’s co‑founder and local media.