According to BBC sources, after the detention of Popcorn Books…
According to BBC sources, after the detention of Popcorn Books employees in May 2025, Medinsky became involved in the situation at the request of Eksmo-AST head Oleg Novikov and became an informal mediator in resolving the holding's problems.
Consensus
- Vladimir Medinsky was involved in resolving issues related to the 'publishers' case' after the May 2025 detentions of Popcorn Books employees.
- Medinsky acted at the request of Oleg Novikov, head of 'Eksmo-AST'.
- Evgeny Kapev, CEO of 'Eksmo-AST', left Russia after the initial detentions but returned several months later.
- The situation was reportedly resolved, allowing key executives to avoid formal charges.
- Figurants from Popcorn Books and Individuum gave statements against the leadership of 'Eksmo-AST'.
- The case involved allegations of book distribution through Kazakhstan and financial schemes bypassing official reporting.
- A color-coding system for books existed within the company, but most books were sold regardless.
- The case was linked to 'LGBT-extremism' allegations.
- At least three individuals previously sentenced in the 'LGBT-books' case received conditional sentences.
Points of divergence
- Medinsky's involvement was motivated by a desire to preserve his influence over the publishing market where he has personal interests. — tg_echoonline_news
- The sources close to Medinsky stated that he acted as an informal intermediary in the resolution of the case. — tg_echoonline_news
- Medinsky 'listened to the request' of Novikov, who is described as his 'longtime acquaintance'. — tg_tvrain
- The source from 'BBC' described the process as 'step-by-step': first Popcorn Books employees admitted guilt, then they began implicating 'Eksmo' leadership. — tg_tvrain
- Some figures, including Aleksandra Shipetina, were already outside Russia by the time charges were not filed. — tg_echoonline_news
- Possible beneficiaries of market pressure included Arkady Rotenberg and Konstantin Malofeev. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (2 sources)
- Ex-Culture Minister Medinsky helped top managers of Eksmo avoid accusations in the 'Publishers' case' — Russian Service of Bi-b... — ЭХО / Новости
- Medinsky helped preserve 'Eksmo-AST' and ensure top executives of the holding avoided accusations in the 'LGBT-extremism' case — Дождь (Telegram)
Key entities
- Medinsky
- Vladimir Putin
- BBC
- Eksmo
- Union of Writers
- Popcorn Books
- Exmo-AST
- LGBT extremism
- Russian Service
- Русская служба Би-б
- Русская служба Би-би-си Об
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