A Bugatti car, a first lady and the fake stories aimed at Americans
A network of Russia-based websites spreads fake news targeting the US election. Former Florida police officer in Moscow plays a key role. AI generates fake stories blending American and Ukrainian issues. Operation aims to influence American voters.
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A network of Russia-based websites has been identified as spreading fake news targeting the US election, with a former Florida police officer living in Moscow playing a key role. One fake story claimed Ukraine's first lady bought a Bugatti with American military aid, swiftly debunked by experts. These fake news sites, part of a disinformation operation, aim to influence American voters and sow distrust. The operation uses AI to generate thousands of news articles on fake American-sounding websites, with some stories blending American and Ukrainian political issues. The operation also creates fake YouTube videos to lend credibility to the false stories. While no direct link to the Russian state has been proven, experts note similarities to past Kremlin-backed disinformation efforts. The operation's scale and sophistication indicate a broader effort to spread disinformation during the US election campaign, with fake stories reaching millions and even influencing some US Congress members. John Mark Dougan, a former US cop now in Moscow, is linked to these websites, although he denies involvement in spreading fake news.
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