Investigators file criminal charges against exiled startup hub manager

May 3, Pozirk. The Belarusian Investigative Committee filed nine criminal charges under special proceedings against exiled Taćciana Marynič, head of the Imaguru startup hub, and her associate Anastasija Chamiankova, its website says.

Charges against them range from inciting hatred and calling for sanctions to association with an extremist group and plotting to seize state power.

Special proceedings target those living abroad and evading contact with investigators, allowing authorities to persecute exiled opponents and try them in their absence.

In August 2023, the Committee for State Security (KGB) branded Imaguru an extremist group, listing Andrej Novak and Kaciaryna Boulton-Smith along with Marynič and Chamiankova as members.

A few months later, Chamainkova accompanied Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja on a visit to Portugal.

Founded in Minsk in 2023, Imaguru used to be one of the most popular meeting platforms for businesspeople, startups and investors in Minsk.

In May 2021, it moved to Madrid and set up branches in Warsaw and Vilnius after Belarusian authorities had evicted the company from its Minsk office.