A German national has been arrested in St. Petersburg for allegedly donating to a banned organization linked to Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, raising concerns over Russia’s crackdown on dissent.

Russian authorities have detained a 41-year-old German citizen in St. Petersburg, accusing him of financing extremism. The arrest reportedly stems from a donation of approximately nine euros to the Foundation for Combating Corruption (FBK), a non-governmental organization founded by the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The FBK has been outlawed in Russia, labeled as an extremist group and foreign agent.

The man, who is said to have lived in Germany for years and worked as a fitness studio owner and business coach in St. Petersburg, was taken into custody by officers from the economic police, criminal police, and the Federal Security Service (FSB). During the raid on his residence, authorities confiscated his laptop and mobile phone. Russian media reports indicate the individual is a former professional cyclist and father of multiple children.

The German Foreign Office has confirmed awareness of the case, stating that consular staff in St. Petersburg are involved but refraining from further comment to protect the individual’s privacy. Since the FBK’s designation as an extremist organization in 2021, over 200 legal cases have reportedly been initiated against donors, highlighting the ongoing suppression of dissent in Russia.