Lesta Games (developer of the game "World of Tanks") has announced its readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies after the arrest of assets and searches in offices. The management denies any connection with Wargaming and insists on the transparency of its activities. This was announced by CEO Malik Khatazhaev in his address after the arrest of the company's assets.
According to him, the accusations of creating an extremist community with the participation of Belarusian businessman Viktor Kislyi are unfounded. Khatazhaev stressed that he has not maintained contact with the founder of Wargaming since August 2023 and is ready to provide the investigation with all requested materials. He noted that the company's activities are fully controlled by financial and supervisory authorities.
I lived to old age. And suddenly, being a patriot, I became an extremist. Of course, it's bitter and обидно. Embers smolder in my soul. The accusation concerns other people, actions.
After the blocking of accounts, including personal ones, the company's work has become more difficult, but employees continue to receive salaries. All projects have been suspended. If the court grants the prosecutor's office's claim, the assets will be transferred to Rosimushchestvo, after which, according to Khatazhaev, "further development of the situation remains uncertain."
The head of Lesta also reported support from players and colleagues in the industry. He expressed hope that the company's reputation would be restored, and noted the importance of the current case for the entire Russian gaming industry.
Earlier it became known that Lesta LLC was arrested on April 17. The company manages the Russian versions of the games "World of Tanks" and "World of Warships", previously released by Wargaming. After the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the foreign studio left the Russian market and transferred assets to the St. Petersburg division.
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