Spain probes Shariy over suspected Russian intelligence ties after seizing €800,000 in crypto

October 4, 2026 at 01:16 AM2 min

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Spanish law enforcement is investigating pro-Russian blogger Anatolii Sharii for possible ties to Russian intelligence services. During a June search of his home, authorities seized a Glock 19 pistol, cryptocurrency worth about €800,000, 20 gold bars valued at €150,000, and other valuables. The probe, which began after a Ukrainian request for legal assistance, also covers tax evasion, money laundering, and document forgery.

Key Facts

Spanish investigators seized a Glock 19 pistol, cryptocurrency worth approximately €800,000, 20 gold bars valued at €150,000, and artworks, watches, and jewelry worth about €400,000 during a June search of Sharii's home.
The investigation began after a request from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies for international legal assistance.
Law enforcement estimates potential financial claims against Sharii and his partner Olha Bondarenko may exceed €10 million.
In June 2025, the Vinnytsia City Court sentenced Sharii in absentia to 15 years in prison for high treason with confiscation of property.
Sharii denies working for Russia and claims the funds came from YouTube activities and subscriber donations.

Search and Seizures

During a search in June at Sharii's home and that of his partner Olha Bondarenko, law enforcement officers found 20 gold bars with an estimated value of €150,000, crypto-assets worth approximately €800,000, and works of art, watches, and jewelry with a total value of about €400,000. They also seized a Glock 19 pistol. The investigation concerns possible tax evasion, money laundering, and document forgery.

Russian Connection Allegations

Spanish investigators are examining financial operations linked to Russia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Kazakhstan, as well as transactions involving cryptocurrencies and online platforms. Law enforcement officials believe that some of the funds may have originated from activities carried out in the interests of the Russian special services. Sharii himself denies working for Russia, while he and Bondarenko claim that the funds were obtained from YouTube activities and subscriber donations.

Ukrainian Legal Background

In Ukraine, Sharii is involved in several criminal proceedings. In 2021, the Security Service of Ukraine notified him that he was suspected of high treason. In 2023, he received a new suspicion — according to the investigation, the blogger helped the FSB prepare and distribute staged videos of interrogations of Ukrainian prisoners of war. In June 2025, the Vinnytsia City Court found Sharii guilty of high treason in absentia and sentenced him to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.