RT Employees Charged with Funding and Directing U.S. Company
Two Russian TV Network Employees Indicted for Covert Funding and Directing a U.S. Company that Published Thousands of Videos
Two employees of the Russian government-funded television network RT were indicted on charges of covertly funding and directing a U.S. company that published thousands of videos on social media platforms.
The Indictment
The indictment alleges that Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT, and Mikhail Solodovnikov, the deputy editor-in-chief, used a shell company to fund and direct a U.S. company called "USA Really."
- USA Really published thousands of videos on social media platforms that promoted pro-Russian views and criticized the United States.
- The videos were designed to deceive viewers into believing they were coming from an independent source.
The Investigation
The investigation into the alleged scheme began in 2017, when the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
- Investigators uncovered evidence that RT employees were using shell companies to fund and direct USA Really.
- The indictment alleges that the employees used fake names and identities to conceal their involvement in the scheme.
The Charges
The employees are charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and other federal laws.
- FARA requires individuals and organizations that represent foreign governments or political parties to register with the U.S. Department of Justice.
- The employees are also charged with money laundering and wire fraud.
The Implications
The indictment is significant because it is the first time that U.S. prosecutors have charged Russian government employees with covert funding and directing a U.S. company.
- The charges could lead to increased tensions between the United States and Russia.
- The case could also set a precedent for future prosecutions of foreign government employees who attempt to interfere in U.S. elections.
The Future of the Case
The employees are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. The trial is likely to be closely watched by both the United States and Russia.
- The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the future of U.S.-Russia relations.
- The case could also set a precedent for how the United States deals with foreign government interference in its elections.
Comments