US investigating  Americans who work edwith Russian state television

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 22-08-2024

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a comprehensive criminal investigation into Americans who have collaborated with Russian state television networks.

This move reflects an intensified effort to counteract the Kremlin’s influence operations as the November presidential election approaches, according to officials briefed on the matter.

In August, FBI agents conducted searchesat the homes of two notable individuals withties to Russian state media: Scott Ritter, a former UN weapons inspector and outs poken critic of U.S. foreign policy, and Dimitri K. Simes, an adviser to Donald Trump duringh is 2016 presidential campaign. No charges have been announced  against either man at this time.

Officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that further searches are likely, with the possibility of criminal charges.

 The investigation follows intelligence findings by the Biden administration that Russian state news organizations, such as RT, are collaborating with intelligence agencies to influence elections, including the up coming contest between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The inquiry is primarily focusing on potential violations of economic sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, as well as a law that mandates the disclosure of lobbying activities on behalf of foreign governments.

This investigation is politically sensitive, rekindling the intense partisan debate over Russia’s role in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Targeting Americans working with state-run news organizations couldal soraise First Amendment concerns regarding free speech.

The scope of the investigation remain sun certain, and neither the Justice Department norother officials in Washington have provided further details.

Ritter, who has contributed to RT, mentioned in a phone interview that the search warrant referenced an investigation under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires Americans to disclose lobbying and political activities conducted on behalf of foreign governments.

Simes, a Soviet-born U.S. citizen, isre portedly under investigation for potential violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which serves as the legal basis for enforcing economic sanctions.