Russian government commission endorses bill enabling asset seizure for convictions related to “fake news” about army

Russia’s Government Commission on Legislative Activities has endorsed a bill that would allow for property to be confiscated from those convicted of spreading “fake news” about the Russian army for “personal gain,” report RBC and RTVI, citing their own sources.

If passed, the bill would also apply to individuals convicted of “publicly inciting actions against the security of the state.” Items owned by the convicted individuals could be turned into state revenue.

RTVI noted that the government endorsed the bill without any objections. The bill has not yet been introduced in the Russian State Duma.

Currently, property confiscation is stipulated for individuals convicted of crimes under more than 80 articles of Russia’s Criminal Code.

Since the law on “fake news” about the Russian army was introduced in March 2022, there have been 273 criminal cases initiated under it.