Russian blogger Huseyn Hasanov arrested in absentia over tax evasion

Russian authorities have arrested popular video blogger Huseyn Hasanov in absentia and placed him on an international wanted list over charges of laundering more than 170 million rubles allegedly earned through tax evasion between 2019 and 2021, the Investigative Committee said on Tuesday.

According to investigators, over 20 million rubles were laundered through financial operations. As Hasanov is believed to have fled abroad, he was charged in absentia under Article 174.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code.

Responding to the news, Hasanov said via Instagram Stories that all tax issues had been resolved back in 2024 and that his lawyers were already working on the matter.