Czech police deport Russians linked to Rybar propaganda project

Czech police have deported two Russian nationals, Vitalij Čaščuchin and cameraman Igor Dolmatov, following an investigation into their ties to sanctioned Russian propaganda entities. The men entered the Czech Republic under the guise of filming a documentary, but investigative journalists revealed they were working for Rybar, a high-reach propaganda project linked to the Russian military.

During a nine-hour interrogation, the individuals claimed to be working for the EU-sanctioned newspaper Izvestia. Čaščuchin, who resides in Germany, has reportedly worked for several other sanctioned Russian outlets, including Channel Five and REN TV.

The Rybar project is subject to sanctions by the EU, the UK, and the USA due to its role in coordinating support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Czech security services are continuing to investigate the case and have shared information with German authorities.