Two independent Novosibirsk lawmakers say hidden cameras were installed in their offices

In the last four days, two independent Novosibirsk City Council deputies have reported discovering that hidden cameras were installed in their offices.

On August 19, deputy Svetlana Kaverzina said on Telegram that she had discovered a camera above her desk while her office was undergoing renovations. “You know, when you think about them listening to us, you imagine something modern and miniature. But life is disappointing: they used some tape and putty and didn’t worry too much about it,” she said.

Kaverzina later told journalists that after she left the device sitting on her desk and that it had disappeared by the next morning. She said she suspects that it was installed (and taken) by law enforcement officers. 

Then, on August 22, Anton Kartavin, another Novosibirsk lawmaker, reported finding signs that a camera had previously been installed in his office, including a hole drilled into the wall and a wire that had been cut. Kartavin said he believes that whoever set up the device removed it after Kaverzina discovered the one in her office.

Kaverzina and Kartavin were both members of the opposition coalition Novosibirsk 2020, which sought to challenge the ruling United Russia party as well as the Communist Party, which is part of Russia’s “systemic opposition.”