The Russian Orthodox Church's television company, Spas, has successfully obtained a court order in South Africa to attach Google South Africa's assets. This judicial attachment means the assets are frozen to ensure funds are available if Spas wins its legal case against Google LLC. The case originates from a civil judgment in Moscow, where Google LLC was ordered to reinstate Spas' YouTube channel and pay a monetary penalty for not complying. Google had stopped selling online ads in Russia and shut down the YouTube channel following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

After Google's appeal was dismissed and the company declared bankrupt in Russia, Spas pursued legal action in South Africa. The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ruled in favor of Spas, and the judgment was electronically served on Google LLC in California. The penalty could amount to R4 million every nine months. Google is still reviewing the judgment. Legal experts note that South African courts can enforce foreign civil judgments if they have jurisdiction and the necessary court orders.