Switch Language

This translation was made by AI

Farmer Yaroslav Shelepanov from Samara Oblast is accused of financing terrorism (Article 205.1, part 1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) because of two transfers through DonationAlerts totalling 736 roubles 85 kopecks (about US$8). OVD-Info has learned that he is currently being held in a pre-trial detention centre (SIZO).

According to the investigators, on 28 and 29 September 2022, Shelepanov sent money to a community that Vyacheslav Maltsev created from the members of “Artpodgotovka.” The authorities have recognised this community as terrorist. The case materials also mention that Shelepanov visited Maltsev’s YouTube channel.

On 19 August 2026, Shelepanov’s home was searched. His phones, laptop, and notebook were confiscated. A criminal case was opened on 21 August, and the following day he was formally charged and sent to the detention centre.

According to OVD-Info, Shelepanov first spent about a month in a holding cell, and was then transferred to a unit for those accused under serious criminal charges. He is now sharing a cell with people facing similar charges related to small donations.

While Shelepanov is in custody, his relatives have been forced to sell about 50 sheep from his farm. The court has ordered he remain in detention at least until 20 December.

  • “Artpodgotovka” formed around a YouTube channel of the same name run by politician Vyacheslav Maltsev, who since 2011 published videos on politics and social issues. In 2013, Maltsev began to call on his supporters to prepare for a “revolution,” which he set for 5 November 2017. That summer, he left Russia because of a criminal case against him. A few days before the planned date, the Krasnoyarsk Krai Court declared “Artpodgotovka” an extremist organisation.
  • Criminal cases for financing “Artpodgotovka” began to appear no later than 2023. People are prosecuted for financing extremist activity (Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code) as well as for financing terrorism (Article 205.1, part 1.1), sometimes under both charges. According to research by the SOVA Centre, in 2025 four people were convicted in such cases, and from January to September 2026 at least 32 have already been convicted.