U.S. Charges RT Employees in Election Interference Scheme

The U.S. Justice Department has charged two employees of Russian state media network RT with money laundering to influence the 2024 presidential election. They allegedly funneled $10 million to an unnamed Tennessee company to create divisive online content. It is part of a broader crackdown on foreign interference.

The U.S. Justice Department filed money-laundering charges on Wednesday against two employees of Russian state media network RT. Officials allege that the individuals orchestrated a scheme to influence the 2024 presidential election by hiring an American company to produce divisive online content. The accused employees reportedly used shell companies and fake identities to channel $10 million to a Tennessee-based firm, which produced nearly 2,000 videos on controversial topics like immigration and inflation, as per the Justice Department.

In tandem with the charges, the U.S. Treasury and State departments announced measures targeting RT, including actions against its editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonovna Simonyan. U.S. officials claim Russia aims to heighten political divisions in the U.S. and weaken support for American aid to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Attorney General Merrick Garland vowed aggressive action against any attempts to meddle in U.S. elections by Russia, Iran, China, or other foreign entities. In a related move, the FBI sought court approval to seize 32 internet domains allegedly linked to Russia's influence operations. RT dismissed the accusations, while a Russian lawmaker called them baseless. The Russian embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)