US Charges Russian Execs in $10M Social Media Propaganda Scheme
Two Russian media executives face US charges for alleged $10 million propaganda operation on social media. Justice Department seizes domains linked to Russian disinformation campaign against Ukraine.
The United States Department of Justice has taken significant action against alleged Russian interference in American public opinion. Two executives from RT, formerly known as Russia Today, have been charged with orchestrating a covert $10 million operation to disseminate propaganda through US social media platforms.
Kostiantyn Kalashnikova and Elena Afanasyeva, both employees of the state-controlled Russian news outlet, are accused of conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and engaging in money laundering. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in funneling millions to a Tennessee-based company for creating and distributing propaganda videos.
The operation reportedly produced hundreds of English-language videos that echoed Russian state narratives, including content aimed at shifting blame onto Ukraine for the ongoing conflict. These videos, posted on popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, garnered an impressive 16 million views.
In a parallel action, the Justice Department seized 32 Russian-controlled internet domains allegedly used in a campaign called "Doppelganger" to undermine support for Ukraine. This move highlights the ongoing efforts to combat foreign interference in US politics and public discourse.
"The Justice Department's message is clear: We have no tolerance for attempts by authoritarian regimes to exploit our democratic system of government. We will be relentlessly aggressive in countering attempts to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy."
This case underscores the evolving nature of information warfare in the digital age. Since its founding in 2005, RT has been a key player in Russia's international media strategy. The use of popular social media platforms like TikTok (launched in 2016) and Instagram (founded in 2010) for propaganda dissemination demonstrates the adaptability of such influence campaigns.
The charges against Kalashnikova and Afanasyeva carry potential sentences of up to 5 years for FARA violations and 20 years for money laundering. These legal actions are part of broader efforts by the US government to counter foreign interference, including the work of the FBI's Election Threats Task Force established in 2019.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, now in its third year since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the battle for public opinion remains a critical front. The Justice Department's actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of information ecosystems in an interconnected world.
