According to Czech media reports, the network allegedly targeted politicians in six countries: Poland, Hungary, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
BIS revealed that it successfully detected and mapped the activities of a Russian-funded influence network operating within the Czech Republic.
"The BIS operation has shed light on Russia's efforts to exert influence on the territory of a European Union country and manipulate political processes," the service announced on its Twitter profile.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, following a cabinet meeting attended by BIS head Michal Koudelka, announced that the cabinet had decided to impose sanctions on two individuals and one company based on information provided by the service. Fiala did not provide further details on the case.
The Czech sanctions target Viktor Medvedchuk and Artiom Marchevsky, Ukrainian-born businessmen and politicians closely linked to the Kremlin. Additionally, a company associated with Medvedchuk, Voice of Europe, registered in the Czech Republic to a Polish citizen, was also sanctioned. The decision to list them was based on their role in promoting Russian foreign policy interests and engaging in political and propaganda activities against Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, stability, and security.
According to sources familiar with the case, money was allegedly provided to politicians from the anti-system German AfD during meetings in Prague. Politicians from other European countries were also reportedly targeted for financial support, including those in France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary. However, specific details were not disclosed.
Private broadcaster RMF24 has reported that the sanctioned company has had its assets frozen and is prohibited from transferring any assets abroad. However, its operations within the Czech Republic have not been formally banned.
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Source: RMF24