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The Russian Investigative Committee has announced that deliberately spreading fake information regarding the scale of the coronavirus pandemic in Russia can entail a fine of up to 3 million rubles ($37,320), TASS reports. 

The committee said, "a probe was launched in Moscow on counts of Russia’s Criminal Code Article 237 Part 1 (distortion of information about developments, facts, or phenomena endangering human life or health) and article 128.1 part 4 (defamation that a person is suffering from a disease dangerous to others) in light of fake news spread regarding the number of people who contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia to instigate panic."

Article 237 Part 1 stipulates that the perpetrator can be either fined up to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) or two years of community service with possible imprisonment, while the second article increases the fine by ten times. So, those guilty of violating Article 128.1 Part 4 can face the 3 million ruble ($37,320) or their income for the past three years. As an alternative, up to 400 hours of community service can be ordered.