Searches carried out in the offices of independent trade unions

Security forces have entered the Moscow offices of the Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR) and several of its member organisations, including the Russian Seafarers' Union (RPSM).

KTR: Suspected embezzlement
According to Baza, the searches were prompted by statements from staff about the embezzlement of funds allocated for purchasing humanitarian aid for the Russian army. During the investigation, it became clear that the units intended to receive the aid had not received anything.

RPSM: Suspected links with an “undesirable” organisation
The Seafarers' Union is suspected of cooperating with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which has been declared an “undesirable” organisation in Russia. According to security services, the ITF blocked Russian vessels in foreign ports, and membership fees—including those from the RPSM—were used to support the Ukrainian army.

What is the KTR?
The Confederation of Labour of Russia is a national trade union federation founded in 1995. It consists of 14 national and interregional organisations. The KTR is also a co-founder of the International Trade Union Confederation.