The Open Society Foundation (OSF) of the United States' billionaire George Soros, recognized as an undesirable organization in Russia, is transferring its activities to the countries of the Global South, which includes numerous states of Africa, Asia and Latin America, amid the rejection of a number of areas of work in Europe, media said.
In Russia, "Open Society" and "Open Society - Soros Assistance Fund" have been recognized as undesirable organizations since 2015. The Prosecutor General's Office of Russia stated that Soros' organizations pose a threat to the foundations of the constitutional system of the country and the security of the state.
"The Fund is now in the process of redirecting operations to the Global South," the media reported.
It is most likely that the decision was made by the foundation's current chairman, Alex Soros, the outlet noted.
According to the media, the Open Society has long complained that the foundation's agenda resembles a "chaotic hodgepodge" of George Soros' whims. The junior Soros is now influencing the foundation's activities.
Earlier, George Soros reportedly handed over control of his funds to his son Alex.
On August 31, the chairman stated that the organization would abandon a number of activities, but the fund's support in Ukraine would continue.
"We will be exiting some areas of work as we focus on today’s challenges, as well as those we will face tomorrow. And yes, we will also be reducing our headcount significantly, seeking to ensure more money goes out to where it’s most needed... There should be absolutely no doubt that we will continue to support our foundation in Ukraine," he was quoted by media as saying.
He also promised to continue supporting foundations in Moldova and the Balkans.
Furthermore, the US allocated over $300 million this year to support non-governmental organizations in the member-states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Russian Deputy Secretary of the Security Council Alexey Shevtsov said on August 28, adding that the OSF could have been among the recipients of money.
The organizations, who gained the US financial support, "have a purposeful impact on public opinion, tastes and preferences, carry out political and economic lobbying," collect personal data and interfere with the work of law enforcement agencies, Shevtsov emphasized.
The organization has awarded more than 50,000 grants worldwide and spent more than $19 billion over the course of its existence, according to its website.