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In the complex realm of Russian law enforcement, few figures have been as prominent as Alexey Okopny. Over his long career, he became notorious for the state’s aggressive approach to dissent, particularly during Vladimir Putin’s administration. Unlike many of his counterparts, Okopny did not shy away from the public eye; instead, he embraced it, becoming synonymous with the anti-extremism initiative in Moscow.
His tenure was characterized by an unwavering pursuit of individuals challenging the status quo, including both notable politicians and ordinary protesters. Despite numerous allegations of severe human rights violations, including torture and involvement in a high-profile murder case, Okopny ultimately ascended to the role of deputy head of Moscow’s Anti-Extremism Center, commonly known as Center E.
The roots of a notorious career
Born in Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Okopny began his career in a region infamous for its law enforcement practices, particularly within the Organized Crime Unit (UBOP). Reports from that period depict a grim scenario, with allegations of detainees facing abuse and even death while in custody. His superior, Anatoly Kyarov, was known for his brutal methods, and while it remains unclear whether Okopny directly participated in such acts, the environment undoubtedly influenced his policing approach.
During the Second Chechen War, significant transformations occurred within the police force, as many brutal tactics were adopted across Russia. This era fostered a culture in which torture and violence became commonplace. Activists noted that Okopny visibly reacted when the name Chernokozovo—a notorious torture facility—was mentioned, indicating his ties to the dark legacy of that time.
Turning into a public figure
After moving to Moscow in his early twenties, Okopny quickly gained notoriety within the political activist community. Unlike typical law enforcement personnel, who often work in anonymity, he embraced his public visibility. This made him a well-known figure within a small yet vibrant activist scene. The police’s longstanding strategy of surveilling and cataloging opposition members dates back to the Soviet era, and Okopny became an essential part of this framework, ensuring that potential threats were closely monitored.
His responsibilities included tracking specific individuals during protests, assessing the most vocal participants, and preparing reports on their activities. While prominent opposition figures like Alexey Navalny and Ilya Yashin were primarily under the watchful eye of the FSB, Okopny’s unit also played a crucial role in identifying and flagging these individuals for future actions.
Controversial actions and alleged crimes
One of the most significant cases linked to Okopny involved the murder of Yury Chervochkin, a 22-year-old activist from the National Bolshevik Party. After weeks of failed attempts to surveil Chervochkin, he was brutally killed by a group wielding baseball bats. Just before his murder, Chervochkin confided in fellow activists about feeling followed, raising suspicions about Okopny’s involvement. However, despite the allegations, no substantive investigation occurred, and the case quickly faded from public view.
Although many believe that Okopny was not directly involved in the murder, the prevailing perception was that he had connections to the perpetrators, suggesting a troubling collaboration between law enforcement and criminal elements. This incident marked a turning point, pushing Okopny’s notoriety beyond activist circles and into broader public consciousness.
Shifting roles within law enforcement
As the political landscape in Russia evolved, particularly after events like Ukraine’s Orange Revolution, law enforcement’s focus shifted from traditional crime to suppressing political dissent. The UBOP, once primarily concerned with organized crime, redirected its efforts toward monitoring and controlling opposition movements. This shift allowed officers like Okopny to thrive, as their aggressive tactics aligned well with the Kremlin’s rising paranoia regarding perceived threats.
In 2008, when Dmitry Medvedev became president, he officially transformed the UBOP into Center E, marking a new chapter in the evolution of political policing in Russia. This rebranding, however, did little to alter the underlying practices; Center E continued to operate as a political police force, ensuring that dissent was quelled through intimidation and surveillance.
Legacy and impact
His tenure was characterized by an unwavering pursuit of individuals challenging the status quo, including both notable politicians and ordinary protesters. Despite numerous allegations of severe human rights violations, including torture and involvement in a high-profile murder case, Okopny ultimately ascended to the role of deputy head of Moscow’s Anti-Extremism Center, commonly known as Center E.0
His tenure was characterized by an unwavering pursuit of individuals challenging the status quo, including both notable politicians and ordinary protesters. Despite numerous allegations of severe human rights violations, including torture and involvement in a high-profile murder case, Okopny ultimately ascended to the role of deputy head of Moscow’s Anti-Extremism Center, commonly known as Center E.1