IStories - Stichting Veronica

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Focus
Media and content

Year of establishment
2020

Year of investment
2025

Country
Russia

IStories

IStories is an independent investigative journalism platform that publishes in-depth reporting on corruption, power, and human rights in Russia. Operating in exile, its newsroom focuses on impactful, data-driven investigative journalism for an international audience.

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From other media

The Black Sea, IStories and Context.ro join global network

1.6.2026 - Global Investigative Journalism Network

GIJN welcomes The Black Sea, IStories, and Context.ro as new members of its international network of investigative journalism organisations. The membership reflects growing recognition of their investigative reporting and collaborative work across Europe.

CORRECTIV/IStories

IStories and CORRECTIV map the power clans surrounding Putin

19.5.2026 - CORRECTIV

This analysis maps the most powerful factions within Russia’s elite. The investigation examines which clans control money, security services, and armed structures, and the roles they could play if Putin’s grip on power weakens.

Russia seeks removal of IStories app from app stores

30.4.2026 - OCCRP

Russian authorities have demanded that Apple and Google remove the IStories app. The move is part of a broader effort to restrict access to independent investigative journalism.

Building independent newsrooms under political pressure

18.4.2026 - International Journalism Festival

At the International Journalism Festival, Roman Anin, co-founder and editor-in-chief of iStories, shares his experience of building an independent investigative newsroom after being forced into exile from Russia.

Documentary features IStories journalists in Russia

15.4.2026 - Vogue

Vogue interviews filmmaker Julia Loktev about My Undesirable Friends, a documentary following journalists from outlets including IStories. The film portrays how independent reporters continue their work despite growing repression in Russia.

IStories founder Roman Anin stripped of Russian citizenship

22.1.2026 - International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

ICIJ reports that Roman Anin, founder of IStories, has been stripped of his Russian citizenship because of his journalism. The case highlights the escalating pressure on independent media in Russia.

Roman Anin stripped of Russian citizenship over reporting

23.12.2025 - Novaya Gazeta

Prominent journalist Roman Anin has been stripped of Russian citizenship over alleged “false information.” The case highlights growing pressure on independent journalism in Russia.

Exiled journalists sentenced to lengthy prison terms

31.3.2025 - The Moscow Times

Russian authorities have sentenced exiled journalists Roman Anin and Yekaterina Fomina to 8.5 years over their reporting. The case underscores the risks of independent journalism on sensitive topics.

AI used to investigate casualties of the Russian war

31.3.2025 - Global Investigative Journalism Network

This article explains how IStories uses artificial intelligence to analyse and verify data on Russian war casualties. The approach enables more scalable and efficient investigative reporting.

Journalists in exile continue investigations through new platform

10.2.2025 - John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships

Former JSK fellows have launched a news startup in exile to continue investigating the Russian regime. The initiative demonstrates the resilience of independent journalism.

CPJ highlights threats against exiled IStories journalists

21.9.2023 - Committee to Protect Journalists

CPJ reports on threats and surveillance concerns involving Russian journalists in Prague, including IStories staff. The case illustrates the risks investigative reporters continue to face even in exile.

Increasing pressure on IStories in Russia weakens free journalism

19.9.2023 - The Insider

Authorities are intensifying pressure on journalists from IStories through legal and administrative measures. These developments further restrict space for free journalism.

IStories receives Free Media Award for ‘courageous journalism’

22.6.2023 - Fritt Ord

IStories has received the Free Media Award in recognition of its courageous and independent investigative journalism under political pressure. The award honours media organisations defending press freedom in authoritarian environments.

Authorities raid home of Russian journalist Roman Anin

4.10.2021 - Deutsche Welle

The raid on prominent journalist Anin’s home is part of broader pressure on critical media. The incident highlights the precarious situation for journalists in Russia.

IStories labeled “foreign agent” by Russian authorities

20.8.2021 - OCCRP

Investigative outlet IStories has been designated a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities. The label imposes additional restrictions and risks for journalists.

RSF condemns intimidation of IStories founder Roman Anin

14.4.2021 - Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders condemns the continued intimidation of Roman Anin, founder of IStories. The organisation stresses the need to protect investigative journalists exposing corruption and abuse of power.

Roman Anin receives ICFJ Knight Trailblazer Award

6.10.2020 - International Center for Journalists

Roman Anin, founder of IStories, has received the ICFJ Knight Trailblazer Award for his outstanding contribution to investigative journalism and his perseverance in the face of persecution and exile.

IStories emerges as a new investigative journalism player

22.5.2020 - Medium (OCCRP)

The platform is positioned as a new generation of investigative journalism in Russia. It focuses on transparency, data, and collaboration with international partners.

IStories builds new investigative journalism platform in Russia

13.5.2020 - New East Digital Archive

IStories was founded to continue producing independent investigative journalism in a restrictive environment. It focuses on in-depth reporting and international collaboration.