Former Trump Adviser Charged with Working for Sanctioned Russian TV Network
U.S. authorities indict Russian-born American citizen and ex-Trump campaign advisor for collaborating with sanctioned Russian media. Charges include money laundering, with potential 20-year sentence if convicted.
The U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled charges against Dimitri Simes, a Russian-born U.S. citizen and former advisor to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, along with his wife Anastasia Simes. The couple is accused of working for Channel One, a sanctioned Russian state television network, and laundering the proceeds.
Dimitri Simes, 76, born in Moscow in 1947, emigrated to the United States in 1973. He founded the Center for the National Interest, a Washington D.C. think tank established in 1994 by Richard Nixon, which advised Trump's 2016 campaign. This campaign was notable for its unconventional approach to politics.
According to the indictment, the Simes received over $1 million, a personal car, and a driver in exchange for their work with Channel One. This network, the largest television broadcaster in Russia, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 of that year.
A separate indictment alleges that Anastasia Simes, 55, received funds from Alexander Udodov, a sanctioned Russian businessman and former deputy minister of agriculture. Udodov faced sanctions in 2023 for his support of the Russian government.
The couple, who have a residence in Virginia (one of the original 13 U.S. colonies), are believed to be currently in Russia. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison, which is the typical maximum sentence for money laundering in the United States.
This case highlights the complex system of U.S. sanctions, first imposed on Russia in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea. The charges against the Simes couple underscore the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The U.S. Department of Justice, established in 1870, continues to play a crucial role in enforcing sanctions and combating financial crimes. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of international conflicts and the intricate web of global politics and media influence.
"The indictments announced today demonstrate our commitment to enforcing U.S. sanctions and protecting the integrity of our financial systems."
