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ABC News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Russia-backed fund Pravfond that bankrolled 'Aussie Cossack' sanctioned by Australia over anti-Ukraine propaganda
A Russian-backed organisation that has bankrolled the legal defence of alleged spies and criminals has been sanctioned by the federal government just weeks after an investigation detailed its support for Australia's most prominent pro-Putin propagandist. The joint investigation between the ABC and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed the organisation, Pravfond, had paid the legal bills of Simeon Boikov, also known as "Aussie Cossack", and successfully lobbied for him to be granted Russian citizenship. The sanctioning of Pravfond means Australian individuals and entities will no longer be able to make assets available to or for the benefit of Pravfond, and any assets held on behalf of or controlled by Pravfond must be frozen. Australian financial authorities must also closely scrutinise its transactions. Formally known as "Foundation to Support and Defend the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad", Pravfond was founded in 2012 with the stated goal of defending the rights of expat Russians, primarily by offering assistance if they get into legal trouble. Previous reporting has indicated that it has helped pay for the legal defence of notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout and hit man Vadim Krasikov, who murdered a Chechen militant in Berlin in 2019. Several top Pravfond figures, including its deputy director, Vladimir Pozdorovkin, have been identified as former Russian intelligence officers. The joint investigation drew on a cache of 50,000 internal emails to reveal Pravfond's support for Boikov, who had been hiding from authorities in the Russian consulate in Sydney since December 2022 after he assaulted a pro-Ukraine protester. The emails detail how Boikov's Sydney-based wife applied for at least three rounds of legal aid from Pravfond and the organisation helped him at least once, paying thousands of dollars in legal fees to his Sydney solicitors. They also showed Pravfond successfully pushed for Boikov's Russian citizenship — publicly confirmed in a 2023 decree from President Vladimir Putin. Asked why, given Pravfond's alleged intelligence ties and prior support of the likes of Viktor Bout and Vadim Krasikov, he thought it was appropriate to apply for funding, Boikov said he was unaware of these facts. "I didn't know about this fund … but even if I knew, even if I knew [them], I had no problems, because I think they're all heroes. They're my compatriots. "I think Viktor Bout's a great guy … he's fantastic. He's a patriot. I'm a patriot." From inside the consulate, Boikov regularly broadcasts pro-Russian propaganda, including support for Russia's war in Ukraine, via the Telegram app, where he has tens of thousands of subscribers. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announced Pravfond had been added to its list of sanctioned individuals and entities. A spokesperson for the department told the ABC that Pravfond "has been identified as supporting individuals and entities attempting to influence public opinion abroad, including in relation to Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine". "Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine," the spokesperson said. "We will continue to maintain pressure on Russia for its malign actions. "Australia has been clear that those enabling Russia's illegal invasion will face consequences." A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Australia referred the ABC to comments by the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zakharova, after the investigation into Pravfond was published in May. Based on the cache of internal emails, the OCCRP published stories about Pravfond with 28 media partners, including the ABC. Ms Zakharova said at the time that the reports were "fake stories" and that Pravfond was "a purely human rights structure" that had gotten "in the hair of hateful Russophobes". "This organisation, that really helps Russians protect their legal rights abroad, is currently the target of a deluge of slander and outright disinformation," she said. A Pravfond spokesperson said it "categorically reject[ed] the allegations and designations imposed by the Australian authorities". "The Foundation's mission is solely humanitarian — to protect the rights of Russian compatriots abroad in accordance with international law," it said in a statement. The spokesperson said support for Boikov was provided "at the request of his family and exclusively on a humanitarian basis", and the fund "has no organisational or financial ties to any state or intelligence agencies". No system is 100 per cent secure, but ProtonMail can be used to protect your identity by using end-to-end encryption. Please read the terms and conditions to work out the best method of communication for you.
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Brittney Griner's alleged Caitlin Clark's comments cause outrage among conservatives
Atlanta Dream star center Brittney Griner has whipped up conservative fury as they accuse her of hurling a racial slur at rival Caitlin Clark. Moments before the conclusion of the Indiana Fever's 81-76 victory over the Dream at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday, cameras panned to Griner, who critics say labeled Clark 'trash' before calling her a 'f***ing white girl' in frustration over a foul on Natasha Howard. While a lack of audio meant it remained unclear whether Griner made the provocative comment, the moment quickly became fuel for controversy and sparked debate online. Conservative firebrand Riley Gaines shared the viral clip online and interpreted the three-time Olympic gold medalist's comments as a verbal attack. 'Brittney Griner appeared to call Caitlin Clark 'trash' and a 'f***ing white girl' after fouling out last night,' Gaines, a former NCAA Division I swimmer, tweeted. 'Just a reminder: this is who we traded for the Russian Merchant of Death,' she added, referring to Griner's release from a Russian prison in December 2022 as part of an exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout, after she was arrested on drug charges at a Moscow airport. 'Now imagine if Clark had said the inverse.' Self-professed 'survivor' of the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Philip Anderson, said: 'Caitlin Clark is a fool for bending the knee to these anti white pigs and Britney Griner should be sent back to Russia because that was the worst trade ever.' Meanwhile, right-wing media pundit Paul Szypula said the WNBA was 'trash' for failing to officially address the incident. 'Will the WNBA condemn, fine, and suspend Griner for this racist comment?' he tweeted. 'Of course not. The WNBA is trash. Just like Griner.' However, former ESPN commentator Jemele Hill shared Gaines' post and argued Griner had not called out Clark. 'I get that your whole personality is caught up in stuff like this, so you don't care about spreading misinformation,' she rebuffed. '1) the foul call made on her had nothing to do with Caitlin Clark. It was because she fouled Natasha Howard. 2) She clearly says 'trash' and 'f***ing WACK CALL.' Former Chicago Bulls star, Ron Harper, tweeted that 'they will always test Caitlin Clark, not because she is white, but because she is one of the best players in the WNBA.' 'Stop thinking this is about color,' he added. Two days after the alleged Clark incident, Griner cut her halftime interview with CBS Sports short on Saturday as the Dream took on the Dallas Wings. Griner instead spotted the referees walking past and could be heard yelling at them to 'be f***ing better.'
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
WNBA star Brittney Griner storms away from interview as she goes on foul-mouthed tirade at refs
Fiery WNBA star Brittney Griner left fans stunned on Saturday when she launched an F-bomb at officials as they exited the floor at halftime of her Atlanta Dream's win over the visiting Dallas Wings. The 6-foot-9 Baylor product and freed Russian penal colony prisoner was set for a customary on-court interview with CBS when she noticed the crew of Jeff Smith, Eric Brewton and Tyler Mirkovich leaving the floor. 'BG, right now you have five points, ten rebounds…' CBS' Autumn Johnson began as Griner's attention wandered. The apparent issue was Griner's displeasure with a late foul call. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was whistled for an offensive foul with 1:30 remaining before halftime. 'Right now she's talking to the refs… about holding,' Johnson said, calling the action of the halftime kerfuffle. Griner returned to the interview but only after seeming to yell 'be f***ing better' at the refs. She then appeared to compose herself before apologizing to both Johnson and the CBS audience: 'I'm sorry, y'all.' Some fans agreed with Griner's displeasure. 'I was watching this live,' one fan wrote on X. 'I feel Brittney Griner's pain. With her being so [tall, she] can't do nothing without the refs calling a foul on her.' Many others directed criticism at Griner. 'We traded an international arms dealer for this,' one person wrote, referring to Viktor Bout, the so-called 'Merchant of Death' who returned to Russia in exchange for Griner in 2022. Griner scored 15 points, Jones scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Rhyne Howard distributed 10 assists for Atlanta (2-2). The Dream distributed 23 assists on 29-made baskets as they shot 42.6 percent, thanks largely to Alisha Gray's 27 points. NaLyssa Smith scored 13 points, reserve Maddy Siegrist scored 12, Paige Bueckers 11 and reserves Tyasha Harris and Teaira McCowan 10 apiece for Dallas (0-4). The Wings starters shot just 13 for 47 (27.6 percent). Dallas overall shot 30 for 82 (36.6 percent). Siegrist gave Dallas its last lead at 26-24 with 4:31 left before halftime. Griner tied it 13 seconds later with a layup, Gray made two foul shots and that started a 13-4 Atlanta run to close the half with a 37-30 lead. Jones' layup early in the third quarter gave Atlanta its first double-digit advantage, 45-35. The Dream continued to extend their margin and led 68-50 entering the fourth. Dallas went on a 15-2 run to close within 70-56 with 5:06 left but never got closer. Griner previously told reporters her move to Atlanta from Phoenix has helped her recapture her love of the game. The former first-overall pick built her career over 12 years with the Mercury and once appeared to be a permanent fixture in Phoenix, where she helped win the title in 2014 and was twice the WNBA's scoring champion. In a WNBA off-season full of blockbuster acquisitions, Griner signing a one-year deal with the Dream earlier this year was perhaps the biggest shock to fans. But the three-time Olympic champion said it was exactly the move she needed. 'I was somewhere for a very long time and it's good to have a different change of pace, different outlook on everything. Definitely found the love for the game again being here,' Griner told a press conference. Griner missed the 2022 season when she was detained for nearly 10 months in Russia after authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
WNBA star Brittney Griner abruptly abandons halftime interview to explode at refs
Fiery WNBA star Brittney Griner left fans stunned on Saturday when she launched an F-bomb at officials as they exited the floor at halftime of her Atlanta Dream's win over the visiting Dallas Wings. The 6-foot-9 Baylor product and freed Russian penal colony prisoner was set for a customary on-court interview with CBS when she noticed the crew of Jeff Smith, Eric Brewton and Tyler Mirkovich leaving the floor. 'BG, right now you have five points, ten rebounds…' CBS' Autumn Johnson began as Griner's attention wandered. The apparent issue was Griner's displeasure with a late foul call. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was whistled for an offensive foul with 1:30 remaining before halftime. 'Right now she's talking to the refs… about holding,' Johnson said, calling the action of the halftime kerfuffle. Griner returned to the interview but only after seeming to yell 'be f***ing better' at the refs. She then appeared to compose herself before apologizing to both Johnson and the CBS audience: 'I'm sorry, y'all.' Some fans agreed with Griner's displeasure. 'I was watching this live,' one fan wrote on X. 'I feel Brittney Griner's pain. With her being so [tall, she] can't do nothing without the refs calling a foul on her.' Many others directed criticism at Griner. 'We traded an international arms dealer for this,' one person wrote, referring to Viktor Bout, the so-called 'Merchant of Death' who returned to Russia in exchange for Griner in 2022. Griner scored 15 points, Jones scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Rhyne Howard distributed 10 assists for Atlanta (2-2). The Dream distributed 23 assists on 29-made baskets as they shot 42.6 percent, thanks largely to Alisha Gray's 27 points. NaLyssa Smith scored 13 points, reserve Maddy Siegrist scored 12, Paige Bueckers 11 and reserves Tyasha Harris and Teaira McCowan 10 apiece for Dallas (0-4). The Wings starters shot just 13 for 47 (27.6 percent). Dallas overall shot 30 for 82 (36.6 percent). Siegrist gave Dallas its last lead at 26-24 with 4:31 left before halftime. Griner tied it 13 seconds later with a layup, Gray made two foul shots and that started a 13-4 Atlanta run to close the half with a 37-30 lead. Jones' layup early in the third quarter gave Atlanta its first double-digit advantage, 45-35. The Dream continued to extend their margin and led 68-50 entering the fourth. Dallas went on a 15-2 run to close within 70-56 with 5:06 left but never got closer. Griner previously told reporters her move to Atlanta from Phoenix has helped her recapture her love of the game. The former first-overall pick built her career over 12 years with the Mercury and once appeared to be a permanent fixture in Phoenix, where she helped win the title in 2014 and was twice the WNBA's scoring champion. In a WNBA off-season full of blockbuster acquisitions, Griner signing a one-year deal with the Dream earlier this year was perhaps the biggest shock to fans. But the three-time Olympic champion said it was exactly the move she needed. 'I was somewhere for a very long time and it's good to have a different change of pace, different outlook on everything. Definitely found the love for the game again being here,' Griner told a press conference. Griner missed the 2022 season when she was detained for nearly 10 months in Russia after authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis. She was freed in the aforementioned prisoner swap.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
WNBA star Brittney Griner abruptly abandons post-game interview to curse at refs
Fiery WNBA star Brittney Griner left fans stunned on Saturday when she launched an F-bomb at officials as they exited the floor at halftime of her Atlanta Dream's win over the visiting Dallas Wings. The 6-foot-9 Baylor product and freed Russian penal colony prisoner was set for a customary on-court interview with CBS when she noticed the crew of Jeff Smith, Eric Brewton and Tyler Mirkovich leaving the floor. 'BG, right now you have five points, ten rebounds…' CBS' Autumn Johnson began as Griner's attention wandered. The apparent issue was Griner's displeasure with a late foul call. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was whistled for an offensive foul with 1:30 remaining before halftime. 'Right now she's talking to the refs… about holding,' Johnson said, calling the action of the halftime kerfuffle. Griner returned to the interview but only after seeming to yell 'be f***ing better' at the refs. She then appeared to compose herself before apologizing to both Johnson and the CBS audience: 'I'm sorry, y'all.' Some fans agreed with Griner's displeasure. 'I was watching this live,' one fan wrote on X. 'I feel Brittney Griner's pain. With her being so [tall, she] can't do nothing without the refs calling a foul on her.' Many others directed criticism at Griner. 'We traded an international arms dealer for this,' one person wrote, referring to Viktor Bout, the so-called 'Merchant of Death' who returned to Russia in exchange for Griner in 2022. Griner scored 15 points, Jones scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Rhyne Howard distributed 10 assists for Atlanta (2-2). The Dream distributed 23 assists on 29-made baskets as they shot 42.6 percent, thanks largely to Alisha Gray's 27 points. NaLyssa Smith scored 13 points, reserve Maddy Siegrist scored 12, Paige Bueckers 11 and reserves Tyasha Harris and Teaira McCowan 10 apiece for Dallas (0-4). The Wings starters shot just 13 for 47 (27.6 percent). Dallas overall shot 30 for 82 (36.6 percent). Siegrist gave Dallas its last lead at 26-24 with 4:31 left before halftime. Griner tied it 13 seconds later with a layup, Gray made two foul shots and that started a 13-4 Atlanta run to close the half with a 37-30 lead. Jones' layup early in the third quarter gave Atlanta its first double-digit advantage, 45-35. The Dream continued to extend their margin and led 68-50 entering the fourth. Dallas went on a 15-2 run to close within 70-56 with 5:06 left but never got closer. Griner previously told reporters her move to Atlanta from Phoenix has helped her recapture her love of the game. The former first-overall pick built her career over 12 years with the Mercury and once appeared to be a permanent fixture in Phoenix, where she helped win the title in 2014 and was twice the WNBA's scoring champion. In a WNBA off-season full of blockbuster acquisitions, Griner signing a one-year deal with the Dream earlier this year was perhaps the biggest shock to fans. But the three-time Olympic champion said it was exactly the move she needed. 'I was somewhere for a very long time and it's good to have a different change of pace, different outlook on everything. Definitely found the love for the game again being here,' Griner told a press conference. Griner missed the 2022 season when she was detained for nearly 10 months in Russia after authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis.
