Overview
- The Tverskoy District Court in Moscow ordered former Readovka editor-in-chief Alexey Kostylev into pretrial detention for two months.
- Mediazona reported that investigators suspect the theft of 1 billion rubles from the Defense Ministry tied to drone supply contracts, with the case opened on September 19, 2025, against unidentified persons and few additional details disclosed.
- Kostylev’s defense sought a non-custodial measure, highlighting his disability following a serious 2024 accident; the court reviewed his state award and medical records.
- Readovka’s current management said the criminal case does not involve its editorial activities and that it is cooperating with investigators, noting Kostylev no longer works for the holding.
- According to the Russian Life Telegram channel, Kostylev was detained on February 25 after being summoned for questioning, and the channel appealed for a lenient restraint measure due to his medical needs.