Russia has threatened Western companies with arrests and seizures

The Russian authorities, who have now hardened the tone towards the foreign companies announcing that they are going to leave the country, have openly threatened some of them, warning of possible arrests of their executives or confiscation of their resources, the Wall Street newspaper wrote on Sunday. Journal.

Russian prosecutors issued the warnings by calling, writing or visiting companies in all sectors – from Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Procter & Gamble, IBM and Yum Brands, to parent company KFC and Pizza Hut. reports the financial newspaper citing updated sources.

They have threatened to arrest executives who criticize the Russian government or seize their resources, including intellectual property.

Following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, unprecedented sanctions were imposed by Western governments in Moscow, and the list of companies that have announced that they are leaving Russia or suspending their activities in the country continues to grow.

Russian authorities have stepped up measures to prevent capital flight and to support the ruble.

Without going so far as to utter the word “nationalization,” President Vladimir Putin has said he does not rule out naming them “external” executives and “transferring them to those who want to run them.”

The Russian prosecutor’s office also ordered “strict control” of foreign companies announcing the suspension of their activities. He warned that he would closely monitor the observance of labor laws and that he would prosecute in case of violation.

As a result of the threats, at least one company has decided to cut off communications with its employees in Russia for fear that their emails and cell phone messages will be intercepted, while others hastily fired their top executives, according to the WSJ report. .

Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Procter & Gamble and Yum Brands did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Source: Capital

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