The editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, Sergey Sokolov, underwent a search as part of a criminal case initiated in the spring of 2026. The Telegram channel of Novaya Gazeta confirmed the search was completed and Sokolov was taken to the Investigative Committee. His lawyer also went there. According to the newspaper, contact with Sokolov was lost about 12 hours prior, just before an editorial meeting.

The Telegram channel Baza, which is close to Russian security forces, reported that the investigative measures at Novaya Gazeta's editor-in-chief were conducted as part of a previously initiated criminal case concerning the illegal use and storage of personal data. Journalist Oleg Roldugin is implicated in this case; he was detained in April 2026, placed in custody, and in early June, his pre-trial detention measure was changed to house arrest. The investigation believes Roldugin may have acted on Sokolov's orders or in concert with him, Baza reported. The specific article under which the criminal case was initiated and Sokolov's procedural status remain unknown.