Dear Compatriots

Published: May 21, 2025

Banner: James O'Brien/OCCRP

Under the banner of legal aid for fellow Russians in trouble abroad, a state-backed foundation in the center of Moscow has for years advanced the Kremlin’s agenda across the world. 

“Pravfond” has funded the legal defense of alleged spies and criminals, backed propaganda outlets, and worked hand-in-glove with intelligence operatives. And it has continued to issue grant after grant even after being sanctioned by the European Union.

This investigation, based on tens of thousands of internal emails obtained by journalists, reveals the inner workings of an influence machine that seeks to turn every Russian in the world into an agent of the Kremlin.

Stories

Stories From Our Partners

Media outlets in 26 countries published stories as part of the "Dear Compatriots" project. Here are some of their findings.

DR

Russia Supports Propaganda in Denmark with 200,000 Kroner

A news channel targeting Danes receives money from the Russian state, secret documents show.

Read the article (Danish)
Delfi Estonia

Kremlin Pays for Lawyer in Treason Case in Estonia

Estonian citizen Svetlana Burceva trained as an information warrior under FSB intelligence officers. Now, new documents show that the Kremlin's influence peddling fund, which is sanctioned in the EU, is covering her costs as she fights treason charges in Estonia.

Read the article (Estonian)