Russian authorities have seized Google Russia’s bank account, making it impossible for its Russian office to function, a Google spokesperson said on Wednesday after Google’s Russian subsidiary declared its intention to file for bankruptcy.
“Google Russia has published a notice of its intention to file for bankruptcy,” the spokesperson said, as Reuters reports.
Google has been under pressure from Moscow for months, but the seizing of the tech giant’s bank account is a major blow to the company, as it will not be able to meet its obligations to third parties and suppliers, as well as the salaries of its employees. According to reports, in addition to the bank account, Moscow seized Google’s assets in Russia.