Russia has placed chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov on an international wanted list as part of a criminal case involving charges of justifying terrorism and violating Russia’s foreign agent law.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that investigators charged Kasparov in absentia under articles related to the public justification of terrorism online and two counts of violating procedures governing the activities of foreign agents. The documents state that both federal and international search notices have been issued against him.

On December 22, 2025, Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky District Court ordered Kasparov’s arrest in absentia for two months from the moment of his extradition, deportation, or detention on Russian territory. The decision was later upheld by the Moscow City Court.

Kasparov was initially charged under Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of five to seven years. He was later additionally charged under Article 330.1 concerning violations of foreign agent regulations.

Russia’s Justice Ministry added Kasparov to its foreign agents register in May 2022, citing political activity and alleged foreign funding sources, including Ukraine and the US-based Human Rights Foundation.

Kasparov, who has faced administrative penalties in Russia over alleged violations of the foreign agent law, currently lives outside the country.