Law enforcement agencies in Spain are conducting a large-scale investigation into pro-Russian blogger Anatolij Shariy and his wife Olha Bondarenko. Competent authorities are verifying information regarding the suspect's possible cooperation with Russian intelligence services, as well as examining facts of financial fraud, tax evasion, and large-scale money laundering within the European Union.

Investigation Progress and International Cooperation

The case is being handled by the investigative court of El Vendrell in Catalonia. The operational and analytical measures involve the intelligence unit of the Civil Guard of Tarragona province, the regional prosecutor's office, and the Spanish Tax Agency. The basis for launching this high-profile proceeding was an official request for international cooperation sent by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to the Spanish side. Investigators are analyzing the couple's financial transactions for risk indicators related to the legalization of illicit proceeds.

Financial Violations and Hidden Assets

According to tax experts, Shariy and Bondarenko, who have had tax residency in Spain since 2016, are suspected of large-scale tax evasion: approximately 150,000 euros for 2018 and about 388,000 euros for 2022. Additionally, suspicious inflows from various sources were recorded between 2019 and 2021, including accounts in Russia and Lithuania, P2P payments, transactions from Kazakhstan and Luxembourg, and cryptocurrency transfers. The total amount of potential fines for the couple could reach 10.7 million euros.

Searches, Seizures, and Future Prospects of the Case

In June 2026, Spanish security forces searched the suspects' new home, seizing computer equipment, communication devices, a Glock 19 firearm, and significant valuables: about 800,000 euros in cryptocurrency, 20 gold bars worth about 150,000 euros, luxury items worth approximately 400,000 euros, and a Porsche Cayenne vehicle. The court has already issued an order to seize the confiscated property. The investigative court is preparing to interrogate Shariy and Bondarenko as official suspects. Notably, the blogger was previously sentenced in absentia in Ukraine to 15 years in prison on treason charges.