Kaspersky is shutting down its UK office and letting go of dozens of employees

Russian cybersecurity giant Kaspersky is shutting down its office in the United Kingdom and laying off its staff, just three months after the company started closing down its U.S. operations and laying off dozens of workers. Kaspersky spokesperson Francesco Tius said in an email that the company will begin winding down its U.K. office operations and focusing on its partner channel in the country. This decision aims to strengthen overall business prosperity and provide customers and partners in the U.K. with continued access to Kaspersky’s cybersecurity products and services through its European team and partner network. There are less than 50 employees in its London office.

This move to shutter its U.K. operations follows a series of challenges for Kaspersky, including accusations of close ties to the Russian government, which the company denies. In June, the U.S. government banned Kaspersky from selling its products in the U.S., leading to layoffs and office closures in the country. Kaspersky had to exit the U.S. market and partner with a new antivirus company, UltraAV, to transfer its customer base. Some customers were surprised by the transition as Kaspersky uninstalled itself and replaced it with UltraAV without explicit consent.

Kaspersky defended the transition, stating that it had adequately notified customers, despite not explicitly seeking their consent.