On the morning of March 20, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted searches at the Moscow office of IT company Krok as part of an investigation related to the Complex Information System of Courts of General Jurisdiction (KIS SOU). This action raised eyebrows in the tech industry and prompted questions surrounding the organization's operations and future amid ongoing inquiries.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the searches were not due to a criminal case against Krok, but are part of a routine check by the Federal Security Service (FSB). According to a source cited by RBK, the aim is to ensure that state funds allocated for the development of KIS SOU are being spent legally. Krok's press service maintained that the company continues its operations as usual, reaffirming its commitments to clients, partners, and employees.
Founded in 1992, Krok has become one of Russia's largest IT service providers, specializing in system integration and innovative technologies, as well as many projects, particularly those involving significant government contracts. The company's prominence stems from its work since 2015 on KIS SOU, which was created to streamline communication across various judicial authorities and improve efficiency within Moscow's court system.
Over the years, Krok has implemented numerous critical updates to KIS SOU, including the integration of video conferencing and recording systems in 24 district courts by late 2017. This innovative move was part of a broader initiative to modernize court operations and enhance transparency, featuring over a thousand pieces of specialized equipment and two hundred information kiosks.
Despite these achievements, the tech company faced challenges, including several operational failures in 2024. Notably, a significant incident in early October was labeled an “information security incident” by the Supreme Court, which turned out to be a cyber attack orchestrated by hackers claiming allegiance to the pro-Ukrainian group BO Team. This attack, along with others, raised concerns about Krok’s cybersecurity protocols and the reliability of the systems it provides.
Following the latest developments on March 20, no immediate statement clarifying the situation or announcing additional choices was made by Krok. The company emphasized that it has not ceased functioning and continues to provide its services as expected; however, some reports surfaced that the company’s website became temporarily unavailable during the search.
According to industry observers and internal sources, the FSB's involvement in verifying the expenditures associated with KIS SOU is viewed as a standard regulatory process rather than an indication of any wrongdoing on Krok's part.
Both Krok and another IT company, Lanit, faced simultaneous inspections on the same day. Lanit confirmed that law enforcement officials had requested documents pertaining to a project from previous years for further analysis. In a statement to the press, the company asserted its commitment to cooperating fully with officials and continuing regular operations without disruption.
As investigative proceedings continue, the reaction from the tech community remains cautious. Industry peers are closely monitoring for any indications of larger repercussions within the sector. While some express concern regarding potential implications for Krok’s reputation, others view these inspections as an expected part of government oversight in complex contracts.
Indeed, since 2022, Krok has been adapting to various external challenges with a commitment to technological innovation. Its strategic shift from being primarily a systems integrator to a service-oriented organization aligns with the current market trends focusing on digital transformation and localizing technology sources.
Company leadership highlighted in past reports their recognition of the growing demand for advanced technologies amid geopolitical tensions and evolving market conditions. As confirmed by a CNews report in 2021, Krok's revenue soared to 41.6 billion rubles, placing it firmly within the top echelons of the IT industry in Russia.
The founder of Krok, Boris Bobrovnikov, transitioned control of the company to several top managers after selling his majority stake in December 2022. This shift within Krok's leadership may add layers to its response to the ongoing checks and could play a pivotal role in how it navigates future endeavors.
With the digital landscape rapidly evolving, Krok remains entrenched in offering cutting-edge solutions while maintaining diligent transparency in operations. The commitment to serving its clients and partners appears resolute despite potential disturbances from regulatory inquiries.
As investigations unfold, the path ahead for Krok and similar tech entities in Russia will rest substantially on their ability to balance government scrutiny with an imperative for growth. Ensuring compliance without sacrificing innovation will be crucial for sustaining the confidence of their clientele and preserving standing in an increasingly competitive industry.
