The Russian authorities, who have already taken a tough stance against foreign companies wishing to withdraw from the country, have directly threatened some of them, warning them of possible arrests of officials or seizure of their assets, according to the “Wall Street Journal”. .
Russian prosecutors have issued warnings via calls, letters or visits, against companies in all sectors, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, IBM and Yum Brands, the parent company of the KFC and Pizza Hut, the business daily said on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
They have notably threatened to arrest officials criticizing the government or to seize assets, including those relating to intellectual property.
A few hours after this publication, the Russian Embassy in the United States denied these allegations, in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
“This Wall Street Journal publication is pure fiction,” the embassy wrote, assuring that “even in the most difficult situation” American commercial interests are not “trampled on” in the Russian market.
“The decision to continue their entrepreneurial activities in our country is entirely up to the Americans,” she argued, denouncing a “Russophobic hysteria”.
After the invasion of Ukraine, unprecedented economic sanctions were imposed by Western governments and a growing list of companies announced their withdrawal from Russia or the suspension of their activities in the country.
The Russian authorities have stepped up measures to prevent capital flight and support the rouble.
Without going so far as to utter the word “nationalization”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was in favor of appointing “external” directors at the head of these companies “to transfer them to those who want to make them work”.
The Russian prosecutor’s office also ordered Friday a “strict control” of foreign companies announcing the suspension of their activities. He warned that he would monitor in particular compliance with labor legislation, under penalty of criminal prosecution.
Faced with direct threats, at least one company has decided to limit communications with its employees in Russia for fear that e-mails and texts will be intercepted while others have evacuated officials, says the “Wall Street Journal”.
Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Procter & Gamble and Yum Brands did not initially respond to a request from AFP.