Law enforcement conducted searches at the URA.RU editorial office in Yekaterinburg on June 5th, along with the residences of several of the news agency’s journalists. The agency’s Telegram channel reported the events as they unfolded.

The searches have disrupted the agency’s operations, with work suspended and technical maintenance underway on its websites. According to URA.RU, Investigative Committee personnel have halted operations at the agency’s main office and blocked access to the editorial department.

Investigators are reportedly seeking information about the sources of URA.RU’s reporting on criminal activity within the Sverdlovsk region. While other potential motives, such as the financing of medical professionals, have been mentioned, they remain unconfirmed.

E1.RU reports that the searches are ongoing, with access to the editorial office building restricted.

A source from E1.RU suggests that the investigation was initiated by Rashid Dauletov, the new deputy head of the Sverdlovsk Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, following a significant leak of information from a police department.

Employees of the publication may face criminal charges for allegedly receiving and utilizing classified information.