US 2024 Election: Washington warns of criminal charges, sanctions against Moscow-backed campaign

These actions mark a coordinated effort by the Justice, State, and Treasury departments to "aggressively counter" foreign interference in US elections.

The Joe Biden administration, on September 4, announced a series of criminal charges, sanctions, and seizure of internet domains, aimed at countering a major Russian government-backed disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 US presidential election.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed that the charges relate to Russia’s use of state-run media to enlist unwitting American influencers in spreading propaganda and disinformation. Two Russian nationals now face criminal charges, and sanctions have been imposed on 10 individuals and entities. Authorities also seized 32 internet domains linked to the operation.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that at the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin, three Russian companies used fake social media profiles to push false narratives. Internal documents from one of these companies, as cited in an FBI affidavit, revealed that one of the goals was to boost the candidacy of Donald Trump or any Republican nominee seen as favourable to Moscow's interests.

The Justice Department's indictment, unsealed in New York’s Southern District, accuses two RT (formerly Russia Today) employees of funnelling nearly $10 million to this unidentified firm, referred to as 'Company 1' in court filings. The money was reportedly used to produce and distribute content favourable to pro-Russian narratives.

One Tennessee-based media company, Tenet Media, was identified as a key player in the operation, according to CNN. Allegedly funded by Kremlin operatives, the company is connected to prominent right-wing commentators with millions of followers on social media.

Margarita Simonyan, the head of RT, was among the 10 individuals sanctioned. US officials accuse her of orchestrating a campaign aimed at undermining public trust in American institutions. RT has denied the allegations.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said that the Russian influence campaign was designed to erode international support for Ukraine while promoting pro-Russian policies in the U.S. Additionally, a Treasury Department official confirmed that Russian media outlets covertly recruited American influencers to unknowingly assist in their disinformation efforts.

These actions mark a coordinated effort by the Justice, State, and Treasury departments to "aggressively counter" foreign interference in US elections.