Top executives from World of Tanks studios Wargaming and Lesta Games are facing the possibility of having their stakes in their respective companies seized by the Russian government, as reported by Russian news organizations RIA and RBC. Wargaming is known for developing the global version of World of Tanks, while Lesta Games handles a separate Russian version.
According to reports from RIA, Malik Khatazhaev, the head of Lesta Games, and Viktor Kisly, the head of Wargaming, are being accused of extremist activities by Russia’s Prosecutor General due to Wargaming’s support of Ukraine. The Prosecutor General is seeking to take control of all the executives’ shares in their companies.
A spokesperson from Wargaming responded to the allegations by stating that the company had exited the Russian and Belarusian markets three years prior, transferring its business to local management at no cost. They emphasized that Wargaming no longer has any assets or business interests in Russia or Belarus.
In 2022, development of World of Tanks was divided when Wargaming left its Russian and Belarusian offices, passing the development of the Russian version to Lesta Games. This move coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that same year. In 2023, Wargaming organized a fundraising campaign in World of Tanks to support medical aid in Ukraine, which the Russian government has deemed as anti-Russian extremist activity. The reasons behind Lesta Games being implicated in the accusations are not entirely clear, but the company remains under the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor General.
In response to the reports, Lesta Games stated in a company Telegram channel, as reported by RBC, that they operate in full compliance with Russian and Belarusian legislation and have nothing to hide. They maintained that they have not violated any laws and have no reason for concern.
Update, April 29, 4:40 PM ET: This article has been updated to include a statement from Wargaming and provide clarification on the relationship between Wargaming and Lesta Games.
FUENTE