A Moscow resident has had their fine replaced with a real prison sentence over a case involving seven donations to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).

The Moscow City Court has toughened the sentence of Anton Grishin, former municipal deputy for Zyuzino, in a case concerning the financing of extremist activity (Part 1 Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code) due to donations to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). This was reported by the project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial.”

On 17 June, the court, in an appeal hearing, handed Grishin a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. He was taken into custody in the courtroom.

In February, the trial court had sentenced the Moscow resident to a fine of 350,000 roubles (approximately US$4,000). During closing arguments, the prosecutor had requested a four-year sentence in a penal colony. The defence had asked for a non-custodial penalty, noting that Grishin supports his entire family, including a young child.

The case was opened against the Moscow resident because of FBK transfers totalling 3,500 roubles (about US$40). He set up a monthly donation to the organisation of 500 roubles (around US$6) in August 2021. Grishin admitted his guilt and said that he wanted to support anti-corruption investigations.

Memorial has recognised the Moscow resident as a political prisoner.