In recent months, a new TV expert has emerged on Channel One’s talk shows: lawyer Pavel Nesteruk. He quickly won over not only adult female viewers but also Gen Z, with his quotes turned into memes and clips of his appearances spreading on Instagram (Meta’s platform is banned in Russia) and TikTok. We met with Pavel Nikolaevich and asked him a few questions:  

— **What did you do before becoming a lawyer?**  

— I served in the Moscow Central Administrative District Police Department in the Yakimanka area as an operative officer. Being an "operc" (operative) isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. The lines from the song by the band *Lube* best describe our service: *"Yes! Let’s play outside the rules. Yes! And if tomorrow’s tougher than yesterday, ‘We’ll break through!’ — the operatives reply. We’ll break through, operatives."* I faced life-and-death situations many times, but over the years, I gained invaluable experience that helps me in my legal practice.  

— **Tell us about the most memorable case during your time in law enforcement.**  

— A funny story: In 2002, the *Buran* space shuttle was displayed in Gorky Park. Two enterprising citizens offered to sell it to a Russian-speaking Australian. They held the first negotiations at the *"Aerohotel"* on Leningradsky Prospect, choosing the location based on its name to pose as people connected to Russia’s aerospace industry. They prepared fake documents and created a convincing facade. The Australian was interested—he wanted to move the *Buran* to Australia (I don’t recall why). Later, at a second meeting in a hotel on the territory of the Kyrgyz Embassy, he handed the scammers $600,000. When I spoke to him by phone, I couldn’t believe someone could be so reckless. No criminal case was opened, as embassy grounds are considered foreign territory.  

— **How did you end up on TV?**  

— A colleague who’s a regular Channel One expert invited me. They were covering a criminal case in Moscow’s Central District, and I was brought in as an insider. My calm, reasoned speaking style—as TV producers put it—resonated with both the team and viewers. After that, I started getting invited more often as a lawyer and former operative. At first, I doubted whether I needed the fame. But when law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors began recognizing me during investigations and trials, I realized: a lawyer in today’s Russia not only *can* but *must* be public! Visibility ensures cases are reviewed objectively, within legal bounds—it’s not about self-promotion, but about effectively serving clients!  

— **Who is your mentor in legal work?**  

— My guru is the esteemed lawyer Igor Olegovich Kopenkin. I’ve collaborated with him personally on several cases! I’m also active in the Association of Veterans of Combat Operations of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. There are many remarkable people there—helping veterans teaches you a lot.  

— **We wish you luck in your legal career and your new role on Channel One!**  

— Thank you! See you on air ! 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer 

Pavel Nesteruk - lawyer