Author of Telegram Channel Linked to VChK-OGPU Reportedly Detained in St. Petersburg — BBC

The BBC Russian Service has learned that in St. Petersburg, the person behind the Telegram channel “LISA BASILIO,” Artem Shalyakin, has been detained, Orda.kz reports.

According to VChK-OGPU founder Alexander Shvarev, Shalyakin was connected to the VChK-OGPU channel, which frequently cited LISA BASILIO in its posts.

I know that Artem was detained — apparently by FSB officers because of an article about (Roman - Ed.) Plugin, the head of the St. Petersburg Main Directorate of the Interior Ministry, and pieces about ‘Rosavtodor.’ I only know that some officers took him away, and while he was being held, Durov removed our channel. What’s happening with Artem now, I don’t know — he’s not in contact with us or with his friends,
 Shvarev told the outlet.

According to Rotonda, a search was conducted at Shalyakin’s home on Wednesday. His Telegram channel LISA BASILIO, which had 54,000 subscribers, has not been updated since October 29.

In the past, Shalyakin worked for 47news, a regional outlet covering events in Russia’s Leningrad Region.

The VChK-OGPU channel was blocked by Telegram the previous day “for doxing and extortion.”

Shortly afterward, the channel’s owners accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of working for Russian intelligence, according to Novaya Gazeta.

The VChK-OGPU channel — known for publishing compromising materials about officials and security officers — was previously removed on the night of April 7, 2025. According to its founders, both blockings occurred shortly after Durov’s visits to the UAE.

At the time, Telegram had not yet commented on Shvarev’s latest statements.

Later, Novaya Gazeta reported that Telegram blocked VChK-OGPU's backup channel. The formal reasons were also "doxxing and extortion." At the time of the block, it had about 50,000 subscribers.