Ukrainian intelligence agency searches Russian tech firm offices

Ukraine's intelligence agency has led a search of offices of Russian-based technology company Yandex on suspicions of treason.

Yandex, also known as the Russian Google because of its Russian-language optimised search engine, is a private company which began as a start-up in 1997.

Its offices in Kiev and Odessa were searched on Monday as part of an investigation into potential treason charges, according to a spokeswoman for the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) intelligence agency.

No further details were given.

The search follows condemnation and aggressive action towards Russian-based businesses and individuals earlier this month by the Ukrainian president, Petro Poroshenko.

Mr Poroshenko expanded sanctions adopted in reaction to Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The sanctions included targeting a number of privately owned Russian companies, including Yandex, which was blocked in the country.

The search of the Yandex premises is the latest signal of escalating suspicions towards the Russian private sector in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, the SBU blacklisted Russia's Yulia Samoylova from performing during the Eurovision Song Contest after the singer toured Crimea following its annexation.

Researchers have argued that there is growing evidence the state security apparatus in Russia is using existing criminal networks in Europe to pursue the Kremlin (IOB: 0Q8D.IL - news) 's agenda of destabilising Europe.

The press attache at the Ukrainian embassy told Sky News that it does not comment on ongoing police investigations.

Yandex has been contacted for comment.