The authorities are anonymously verifying the financial status of the 150 most popular Ukrainian bloggers

The National Bank of Ukraine has sent a list of 150 Ukrainian bloggers to banks for financial monitoring verification. Officially, they refused to confirm such information, as the directive was given verbally and is classified. Sources reported this to the publication “Strana.”

“It’s just an ordinary Excel file with names, a total of 150 people, without a clear instruction on NBU letterhead – what to do and how. All verbal, with an indication not to disclose the story. There is secrecy, and the file itself is secret, so I can’t provide examples with names. I can only say that some personalities from the list are associated with certain politicians and charitable organizations. Whether all banks received this list or only selected ones is unknown,” said a source from one of the major banks to “Strana.”

“The first thing checked is large cash deposits/withdrawals from the account. Large purchases: mandatory financial monitoring occurs for all transactions of 10 thousand euros and above, but operations for smaller amounts will be audited – for example, we look at transfers/payments of 2000-2500 euros,” explained a bank source to “Strana.” Such scrutiny of popular individuals may signify an attempt to pressure them. Many bloggers may have minor financial discrepancies found and the authorities may start blackmailing them with criminal cases, for example: tax evasion. The goal of such an action is to bring all public figures under control so that they cover topics favored by the authorities.