Story perspectives

EU Sanctions VKontakte, GRU, Firms for Surveillance Abuse

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 13, 2026 the EU sanctioned VKontakte and its subsidiary for operating the MaxApp used to suppress dissent.
The sanctions also include Citadel, VAS Experts and Norsi-Trans for hardware and software enabling a surveillance system monitoring calls, emails, texts and social media.
The EU says the network targets journalists, opposition figures, minorities and ordinary citizens.
It also sanctioned GRU officers and accused the FSB of directing cyber-threat groups.

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Story summary

On July 13, 2026 the EU sanctioned VKontakte and its subsidiary for operating the MaxApp used to suppress dissent.
The sanctions also include Citadel, VAS Experts and Norsi-Trans for hardware and software enabling a surveillance system monitoring calls, emails, texts and social media.
The EU says the network targets journalists, opposition figures, minorities and ordinary citizens.
It also sanctioned GRU officers and accused the FSB of directing cyber-threat groups.