U.S. Charges Russian RT Employees Over 2024 Election Interference Scheme

The U.S. has charged two RT employees with money laundering, alleging they hired an American firm to influence the 2024 presidential election. The employees used shell companies to pay $10 million to produce divisive online content. The Justice Department remains vigilant in counteracting foreign election interference.

The U.S. on Wednesday filed money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT. Officials allege the employees engaged an American company in a $10 million scheme to influence the 2024 presidential election through online content.

Authorities announced actions targeting RT, including its top editor, asserting that Russia aims to deepen political divisions in the U.S. and weaken American support for Ukraine. "We will be relentlessly aggressive in countering attempts by foreign actors to undermine our democracy," said Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The FBI also sought to seize 32 internet domains linked to Russia's influence efforts. RT mocked the allegations, while the Justice Department charged Konstantin Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, who remain at large in Russia. The investigation exposed deep-rooted foreign meddling attempts in U.S. politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)