September 4, 2024 at 10:35PM
The Biden administration seized 32 websites and charged two employees of a state-owned media outlet for a $10 million scheme to spread pro-Kremlin propaganda, aiming to counter Russia’s election influence. The operation, named Doppelgänger, involves phony social media accounts and fake news sites to impact American voters. Two Russians face criminal charges and sanctions.
It seems that the Biden administration has seized 32 websites and charged two employees of a state-owned media outlet for an alleged $10 million scheme to distribute pro-Kremlin propaganda. This action was taken to counter Russia’s attempts to influence the upcoming US presidential election. The operation, known as Doppelgänger, has been active since at least 2017 and uses a network of phony social media accounts, fake-news websites, and deepfakes to influence American voters and spread pro-Moscow messaging.
The 277-page affidavit used to obtain a warrant to seize the 32 websites details internal strategy meeting notes and propaganda project proposals developed by Moscow’s agents. The Doppelgänger domain takedowns are part of a larger, coordinated effort across multiple US government agencies to combat Russia’s “covert attempts to sow division and trick Americans into unwittingly consuming foreign propaganda.” The Justice Department has also charged two Russian nationals with conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In addition, the Treasury Department has sanctioned several individuals and entities, including RT editor-in-chief and others, in response to “Moscow’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 US presidential election.” The State Department has also rolled out a policy to restrict issuance of visas to individuals acting on behalf of Kremlin-supported media organizations who are engaging in covert influence. Finally, the Rewards for Justice program is offering a $10 million prize for information on potential foreign efforts to influence or interfere in US elections, specifically focusing on organizations such as RaHDit.
The information above outlines the key takeaways from the meeting notes. Let me know if you need further details or a summary in a different format.