“Pryamyy” TV channel refuted reports about search

The “Pryamyy” TV channel denied their office had been searched by the police due to allegations of laundering of money, as to the website of the Pryamyy. “We have to say there are no policemen in the office. The TV crew went to the State bureau of investigations (SBI). Any interference to functioning of the TV channel will be considered by us as setback on press freedom”, they said. Earlier, Andriy Portnov, ex-functionary of the time of Viktor Yanukovych, told in his Telegram messenger that the “Pryamyy” TV channel was searched, the investigators were to verify the accusation of money laundering and legalization of the TV channel’s stocks through some of Cyprus company. Taras Berezovets, presenter of Pryamyy wrote in his Telegram messenger that some officials of the State bureau of investigations came to their office, they spoke to the lawyer of the TV channel, who gave them some accounting department papers, the same the tax  administration disposed as well. No search, no seizure, he said. The press officer for the SBI Anzhelika Ivanova confirmed speaking to Ukrinform that SBI made no search in  the editorial office of the Pryamyy TV channel.