Russian company Lesta Games, known as the developer and publisher of the popular games World of Tanks and World of Ships, is on the verge of losing its business. On May 27, 2025, the Tagansky District Court of Moscow will begin hearings on the lawsuit filed by the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation, accusing the company and its owner Malik Khatazhayev of extremist activity and allegedly financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). This was reported by Izvestia, citing sources in judicial circles. Despite the efforts of the team of lawyers, industry experts assess Lesta's chances of a successful defense as minimal, predicting either the liquidation of the company or a forced change of ownership. The situation threatens not only Khatazhayev's business, but also the entire Russian gaming industry.

The Prosecutor General's Office's lawsuit, filed in April 2025, demands a ban on the activities of the association, which, according to the agency, includes Malik Khatazhayev and Wargaming founder Viktor Kisly, and the transfer of 100% of the shares of Lesta Igri to state ownership. As RIA Novosti reports, the prosecutor's office cites publications related to Wargaming's activities as evidence, including articles with headlines like "World of Tanks versus Russia's special operation" and reports on charitable initiatives in support of Ukraine. According to Forbes, these materials relate to the period when Wargaming, which left the Russian market in 2022, launched fundraising projects for Ukraine. Khatazhayev, in turn, has repeatedly emphasized that he severed all ties with Kisly in August 2023 and that Lesta Igri operates exclusively in Russia and Belarus, remaining outside of politics.

The assets of three legal entities of the company — Lesta LLC, Lesta Games Moscow LLC, and Lesta Games Agency LLC — were seized on April 17, which came as a surprise to the management. According to Khatazhaev, the freezing of accounts, including his personal ones, seriously complicated the company's operations, although salaries to employees continue to be paid. In a video message published on the Lesta Games Telegram channel on April 30, the businessman called the accusations "bitter and offensive", emphasizing his patriotic position and the lack of evidence of funds being transferred abroad. He also noted that the company is actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies, providing all the necessary documents.