The owner of "Lesta Games," Malik Khatazhaev, made an official statement in connection with the accusations of extremism and the demand to seize his group of companies.
The statement was formatted as an interview. It was published on the official channels of "Lesta Games." From this, it became known that:
- The lawsuit was a surprise for the company, essentially known post-factum when the accounts were frozen;
- Despite the freezing of accounts, business operations continue (salary payments are being processed);
- The company is now focused on demonstrating its transparency to the General Prosecutor's Office;
- If the lawsuit is upheld, the company will be transferred to the ownership of "Rosimushchestvo"; what happens next is unclear.
A full transcript of the video is below.
Interviewer: Please introduce yourself.
Khatazhaev: I am Malik Khatazhaev, head of the Lesta Games group of companies.
How did you find out that a lawsuit was filed against your company?
Khatazhaev: Quite unexpectedly: due to the freezing of my personal accounts, all my accounts were blocked. I couldn't use my card in the subway or buy tea in a café. Essentially, the accounting department informed me that restrictions were imposed on our operational accounts.
How is activity conducted now with frozen accounts?
Khatazhaev: It's going with difficulty, with squeaks. We are holding on, salary payments are going through, and cross-border transfers are somewhat hindered. It’s all moving with struggle, but business operations haven't stopped; we're fulfilling all our obligations. All our major strategic projects are frozen and subject to a high degree of risk.
What are you accused of?
Khatazhaev: I am accused of creating an extremist association with Viktor Kisly.
Surviving until old age, suddenly, being a patriot, I became an extremist. It's certainly bitter and offensive. There are still embers smoldering in my soul.
The accusation concerns other people, other actions. Viktor Kisly and I are not in contact, and we haven’t had any relations since August 2023.
How can you prove this?
Khatazhaev: Well, it’s difficult to prove something you haven’t done.
All the information is in the hands of the administrative bodies. We are cooperating with the prosecution, providing them with all the materials about ourselves.
Of course, we did nothing of the sort. All the information available to government bodies speaks precisely to this.
What is your personal position on the current situation? What do you plan to do?
Khatazhaev: There's not much to plan, we need to act, show the law enforcement agencies who we are, what we do—transparently, openly, reliably. That, in essence, is what we’re focused on.
And what do you personally, as Malik Khatazhaev, plan to undertake in this situation?
Khatazhaev: Back in 2022, I already made all the major decisions. I stayed in this country; I tied my future to this country. I rallied people around me for the salvation of the remaining games, for the revival of the gaming industry, which is what I have been engaged in this whole time.
Are there any current problems on this path related to the company's work and activities?
Khatazhaev: The restrictions imposed on accounts, of course, have a devastatingly powerful impact on all operational activities. The team has united, holding on. Naturally, there are significant difficulties with partners because of leaks in the media. This greatly affects current work.
What will happen if the court satisfies the lawsuit of the General Prosecutor's Office?
Khatazhaev: If the court satisfies the claim, then, obviously, the procedure is simple. The company is transferred to the ownership of Rosimushchestvo. A representative from Rosimushchestvo comes and takes over the company. After that, there are several possible scenarios. All are complex, unclear. Beyond that, it’s foggy.
Are there any documents that prove your innocence?
Khatazhaev: Documents that prove something you haven't done, it's a tricky thing…
Well, of course, there are accounts reflecting our activities, everything we've done in the company. Everything is fully transparent. There’s no evidence that we funneled money somewhere.
What’s being spread on various forums, in different blogger groups, in the spirit of, perhaps Malik carried bitcoins in a briefcase… That's complete nonsense. All our main assets are on our account for operating activities. They weren’t carried anywhere in briefcases, especially bitcoins (I don’t even know what that is) weren’t moved anywhere.
The funds are on the account, but there’s also information about your company buying real estate. Can you comment?
Khatazhaev: It pertains to the working infrastructure. We are developing it in our country. We are not temporary occupants who rent something and then, if things get tough, disappear somewhere. We are anchoring infrastructure within our country. We are establishing server infrastructure and workspaces. For this, business centers have been purchased. A business center in Moscow and a business center in St. Petersburg.
What are you currently engaged in?
Khatazhaev: Right now, we are engaged in the fight for truth. We continue to believe in the truth, continue to cooperate with law enforcement, being as open and honest as possible. Our position in this regard remains unchanged.
What does Wargaming think about the situation with the Lesta Games group?
Khatazhaev: From official information, they only confirmed that they have terminated relations with us. They signed all licensing documents, fulfilled their obligations, and haven’t maintained any relations since.
Do you confirm this from your side?
Khatazhaev: Well, we said from the beginning: yes, indeed, we ended all relations with them. It’s not like they’re eager to communicate with us—in fact, they avoid any contact.
We partly even compete, striving to make "World of Tanks" a progressive, fast-developing project, hoping that some Russians who moved to the Euro cluster will return to us someday.
What do industry partners think?
Khatazhaev: Industry partners, despite some competition within the industry, treat us warmly and supportively, offering all sorts of help, supporting us.
The fact is, the current situation affects not only us. It’s a reputational story concerning the future development of the entire domestic IT sector, the gaming industry, its revival.
Amid this, numerous rumors and speculations are starting to spread online. For example, that someone is trying to take over your company in this way.
Khatazhaev: Yes, we read them, although it badly affects the nervous system. There are many different fabrications.
They ridicule the choice we made, staying with our country, mocking in every way. Some completely cross certain lines. I’d rather not talk about it. We don’t look great in these discussions. This matter is widely covered in the foreign press, in its own way, of course. Not to the reputation of our country, of course.
Would you like to say something to the players, partners, and the public?
Khatazhaev: Friends, we are honest people, fighting for our name, for our entire industry. It concentrates a vast number of talents, honest, extraordinary people. We are ready to help everyone. Thank you for being with us in this difficult situation. Everything will, hopefully, be alright.