Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 27 minutes ago
Undercover reporter was offered $10,000 to kill Russia's enemies on a Telegram channel.
Subscribe to OCCRP on YouTube ► https://shorturl.at/BSzsh
An anonymous Telegram account called “Privet Bot” has been advertised on large, pro-Russian channels for months. “Just say privet to us,” the ads say — and call for European citizens to join the fight against Ukraine’s Western allies.
But what actually happens when someone gets in touch?
Our reporters went undercover to learn how the account is recruiting young men to commit acts of vandalism, arson, and worse. After creating a pro-Russian persona from Estonia, we were asked to spy on military bases, set fire to NATO vehicles, and even commit murder at $10,000 “a head.”
Read our full investigation, reported with Delfi, Paper Trail Media, ZDF, and Der Standard.
#russia #telegram #estonia #WarinUkraine #intelligence #security #espionage #EuropeanUnion #chatbot #socialmedia #NATO
Undercover reporter was offered $10,000 to kill Russia's enemies on a Telegram channel.
Subscribe to OCCRP on YouTube ► https://shorturl.at/BSzsh
An anonymous Telegram account called “Privet Bot” has been advertised on large, pro-Russian channels for months. “Just say privet to us,” the ads say — and call for European citizens to join the fight against Ukraine’s Western allies.
But what actually happens when someone gets in touch?
Our reporters went undercover to learn how the account is recruiting young men to commit acts of vandalism, arson, and worse. After creating a pro-Russian persona from Estonia, we were asked to spy on military bases, set fire to NATO vehicles, and even commit murder at $10,000 “a head.”
Read our full investigation, reported with Delfi, Paper Trail Media, ZDF, and Der Standard.
#russia #telegram #estonia #WarinUkraine #intelligence #security #espionage #EuropeanUnion #chatbot #socialmedia #NATO
