Russia threatens Western firms with arrests, seizures: Report

Washington: The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Russian prosecutors had allegedly issued warnings to Western companies in Russia, threatening corporate leaders who criticize Moscow with arrests and asset seizures. 

The newspaper said citing anonymous sources that Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, and KFC owner Yum Brands were among the companies that were allegedly threatened via letters and calls.

However, the Russian Embassy in the United States says Western media reports alleging that foreign companies are being threatened in Russia are fake.

"Once again, we urge local media to abandon the vicious practice of spreading fake news. The Wall Street Journal opus is pure fiction," the Russian embassy said on Telegram.

The Russian Embassy in the US emphasized that there are over a thousand American companies working in Russia and "the decision whether to continue entrepreneurial activity in our country is entirely up to the Americans.

As well as the right to ignore the Russophobic hysteria that encourages foreign businesses to suffer huge losses, just to 'annoy' Russia." (Inputs from UNI)