SUBO, the controversial Instagram influencer known for his brazen pranks on Russian police, has found himself at the center of a significant legal upheaval. The 26-year-old, whose real name is Subkhan Mamedov, had his Russian citizenship revoked and is now barred from entering Russia for 70 years. This dramatic turn of events has left many followers and observers questioning the boundaries of online content and the law.
According to TASS, the revocation stemmed from Mamedov providing false information during his application for Russian citizenship. Reports indicate he had engaged in deceitful practices when acquiring this status, directly contradicting the requirements set forth by Russian authorities. It was during the investigation of his online behavior—specifically his disregard for police decorum through staged pranks—that officials unearthed the discrepancies.
Mamedov’s content on social media has frequently included Taunting the Russian police, often portraying himself as above the law. Some of his notable pranks involved dressing as police officers, attempting to provoke real law enforcement officers, and referring to soldiers as his bodyguards. Such audacious antics contributed to his vast following, with 13 million people subscribing to his Instagram account, where he regularly flaunts his lavish lifestyle through pranks and personal stories.
Security agencies have reportedly taken his content very seriously, leading to thorough investigations. Mamedov was found to have not only mocked law enforcement but also continues to negotiate societal respect through demeaning portrayals. "Силовики внимательно их изучили и сначала лишили Субхана Мамедова гражданства," meaning security forces carefully examined them and initially stripped Mamedov of his citizenship, according to REN TV.
Mamedov’s lavish lifestyle, which includes ownership of two luxurious Lamborghini vehicles, has also been documented. His cars, valued collectively at nearly 45 million rubles, were symbols of his success until they dwindled under the weight of fines and legal scrutiny. Over the past year alone, he accrued about 200,000 rubles worth of fines due to reckless driving behavior, including speeding and ignoring traffic signals. Nevertheless, Mamedov quickly managed his financial responsibilities, paying off all but two of his infractions.
His business ventures also took off dramatically after the establishment of his burger restaurant, which saw its profits soar after initial setbacks. Despite facing financial losses of 3.5 million rubles during its first year of operation, the business rebounded sharply to earn 9.6 million rubles the following year. Mamedov's apparent disregard for the law and his urge to entertain came with consequences he likely underestimated.
With his recent legal setbacks, Mamedov has currently relocated to the United Arab Emirates, where he remains promisingly influential but now without the citizenship thawing his ties to Russia. After his citizenship was stripped, certain officials, among them Ekaterina Mizulina, have publicly called attention to the potentially harmful ramifications of his antics. "Видимо, этим и обратил на себя особое внимание," or "Apparently, this is what drew special attention to him," Mizulina commented, emphasizing the negative conjunction between his actions online and societal standards.
Mamedov’s story raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of social media influencers and the potential repercussions of their digital behavior. Is there such freedom of expression, and where should one draw the line? The impact of SUBO's actions will resonate not just legally but also attract scrutiny about the deep-seated collision between modern internet culture and traditional authorities.
Though he faces serious repercussions, Mamedov’s current standing among online followers remains curious. Can he maintain his audience and influence from afar? Or will this incident mark a pivotal point, forcing him to reconsider his approach to content creation? What seems clear is the law continues to chase those who think themselves beyond its reach, and SUBO, no longer being held under the guidance of Russian citizenship, is on uncertain ground.