Andrei was arrested on February 18, 2022, in connection with a criminal case involving insulting a government official on the "Punishermen of Belarus" Telegram channel. He was charged with "insulting a government official." It was later revealed that he also faces charges of "insulting Lukashenko," "creating an extremist group," "inciting hatred or discord," and "insulting a judge or assessor." All charges related to comments made on various Telegram channels.
In December 2022, Andrei was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment in a general regime penal colony, as well as a large fine and compensation for 31 "victims."
On December 13, 2025, he was released following a visit to Minsk by US President Donald Trump's special representative, John Cole, and taken to Ukraine.
