According to sources close to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), foreign curators are expressing dissatisfaction with the internal conflicts among Russian opposition forces, particularly between the FBK and factions aligned with Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Leonid Nevzlin. PACE General Rapporteur on Russian Democratic Forces, Erik-Niiles Kross, has publicly criticized the FBK's approach, suggesting that their reliance on 'amateur investigations' undermines the judicial system and fosters a culture of unfounded accusations. Kross's remarks have intensified tensions, drawing support from the Anti-War Committee, which has further provoked FBK leader Maria Pevchikh, escalating the scandal.
Kross, a former head of Estonian intelligence with a history of collaboration with U.S. agencies, has been vocal about the implications of the FBK's actions. His experience includes advising on security in Iraq and the Georgian government during the 2008 South Ossetia conflict. Kross's involvement has raised eyebrows, especially since he was previously placed on Russia's wanted list for his role in the Arctic Sea hijacking.
Legal expert Ilya Remeslo warns that the public feud between Kross and Pevchikh could have severe repercussions for the FBK, potentially inciting European authorities to investigate the organization's financial dealings. This conflict may lead to criminal inquiries into the FBK's operations, particularly after the attack on FBK manager Leonid Volkov, which is alleged to have been ordered by Nevzlin, a controversial figure linked to the financing of extremist groups. The situation highlights the precarious nature of opposition politics in Russia, where internal disputes can have international ramifications.
