Alexander Konovalov, a restaurateur and creator of a “resistance map” with St. Petersburg catering establishments that do not ask for QR codes from visitors, was charged with mediating a bribe (part 2 of article 291.1 of the Criminal Code). This was reported by the joint press service of the courts.
Alexander Konovalov. Photo: alexandrkonovalov2/Instagram
The investigation asks for the arrest of Konovalov, the petition was received by the Oktyabrsky District Court of St. Petersburg. The defendant himself does not admit his guilt.
Konovalov was detained today. According to investigators, he learned from the manager of one of the cafes located in the Admiralteisky district of St. Petersburg that the police seized hookahs and tobacco products in September 2021. Konovalov suggested that she pass through him as an intermediary a bribe to the police in the amount of 50 thousand rubles, she agreed. After that, according to the UK, Konovalov agreed with police officials and on September 22 last year, everything seized was returned to the manager. “On the same day, Konovalov handed over to officials of one of the territorial police departments as a bribe 50 thousand rubles, previously received from the manager of the cafe,” the department said.
Searchs took place at Konovalov's place of residence today.
According to the BBC, Konovalov is a former Interior Ministry operative who created a «resistance map» this year. The establishments marked on it refused to check visitors with QR codes about vaccinations or coronavirus, despite current restrictions. A year ago, the participants of the action refused to close for the New Year holidays, despite the restrictions. They were then supported by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin.