Russian officials warned companies like McDonald's and IBM that corporate leaders who criticize the government could be arrested, report says

According to The Wall Street Journal, prosecutors in Russia have warned companies that pull out of the country or criticize the government.

According to The Journal, companies from various business sectors have been told that their corporate leaders could be arrested if they criticize Russia, and that companies shutting down operations in the country could have their assets seized.

Last week, Russia said it could seize the assets of companies that stopped operations in Russia. Major US and European companies have pulled out of the country after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has been hit with sanctions from the West.

According to The Journal, several companies received threats from the Russian prosecutors, including McDonald's, International Business Machines Corp, and Yum Corp, which operates fast-food brands.

McDonald's, IBM, and Yum Corp did not respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Some companies are moving executives out of Russia in response to the threats, according to a source.

McDonald's temporarily closed its restaurants and paused operations in Russia. The company said in a statement that it would continue to pay its 62,000 employees during the pause.

"Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine," said CEO Chris Kempczinski.

Last week, IBM and Yum Corp said they would be suspending operations in Russia.

The Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, did not reply immediately to Insider's request for comment.