Ex-Trump Adviser Charged with Sanctions Violation and Money Laundering

Dimitri Simes and his wife, Anastasia, have been indicted for working with a sanctioned Russian state TV network and laundering over $1 million. Simes, a former Trump campaign adviser, had connections detailed in the Mueller report. Both face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The US government has charged Dimitri Simes, a Russian-born US citizen and ex-adviser to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, with working for a sanctioned Russian TV network and laundering proceeds.

The Department of Justice claims Simes and his wife, Anastasia, received over $1 million and personal perks for their work with Channel One, sanctioned by the US in 2022 due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The couple, residing in Virginia, are believed to be in Russia.

Simes was noted in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into 2016 election interference. If convicted, the couple faces up to 20 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies.)