The Biden administration has accused Russia of trying to influence the upcoming Presidential election and announced a series of actions to disrupt the Russian operations that were aimed at influencing the public.
The latest charges mark the third consecutive US presidential election where Russian interference has been alleged, highlighting a persistent challenge to American democracy.
Criminal Charges and Sanctions
The Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment against two Russian nationals associated with the media organization RT, charging them with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The indictment alleges that these individuals operated through a Tennessee-based media company, funneling nearly $10 million to produce and disseminate content favorable to Russian interests without disclosing their affiliations.
Simultaneously, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on ten individuals and entities linked to these operations. These measures block all property and interests in property of the designated parties within the US, aiming to cut off financial support for the influence campaigns.
Domain Seizures
US authorities have seized 32 internet domains in a bid to dismantle the infrastructure used for spreading disinformation. These domains were reportedly used to host fake news sites and other platforms designed to covertly spread Russian propaganda, aiming to influence US public, particularly on issues like support for Ukraine and domestic political divisions.
The Influence Operation
According to internal documents cited in the FBI’s affidavit, one of the goals of this Russian-backed operation was to boost the candidacy of Donald Trump or any Republican nominee by exploiting fears and views held by conservative Americans. This operation, codenamed “Good Old USA,” sought to lower President Biden’s approval ratings.