Early on June 5, authorities conducted a search at the Yekaterinburg headquarters of the government-aligned news outlet Ura ru, according to staff reports.
"Investigators from the regional branch of Russia's Investigative Committee halted operations at our main office and effectively shut down the newsroom," the publication stated.
Simultaneous raids were carried out at the homes of multiple Sverdlovsk-based reporters. The media organization indicated the investigation focuses on "how the editorial team obtained details about criminal incidents" in the Sverdlovsk area.
"Our journalists have seen numerous speculative theories circulating in Telegram channels regarding these searches. Claims about funding medical professionals or similar scenarios are completely unfounded," the statement clarified.
RIA Novosti, referencing an unnamed insider, suggested the raids might connect to "financial support received in 2020 from the NGO 'Alliance of Doctors'" - an organization designated as a "foreign agent" the following year.