RT Employees Indicted Directing U.S. Company in Furtherance of Russian Interests

Two employees of the Russian state-controlled media outlet RT, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, have been indicted for allegedly orchestrating a covert operation to fund and direct a U.S. company that published pro-Russian content. The indictment, unsealed in the Southern District of New York, charges them with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The pair reportedly funneled nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based online content creation company, which produced thousands of videos that garnered millions of views on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The videos often contained commentary on U.S. domestic issues, aligning with Russian government interests aimed at sowing discord in the U.S. Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva operated under fake identities and did not disclose their ties to RT, violating U.S. laws regarding foreign influence. If convicted, they face significant prison time, with the maximum sentences being five years for FARA violations and 20 years for money laundering. The FBI is actively investigating the case, emphasizing the importance of exposing foreign influence campaigns that threaten U.S. democracy.

- Two RT employees indicted for covertly funding a U.S. company to spread pro-Russian content.

- The operation involved nearly $10 million and targeted U.S. audiences through social media.

- The defendants face charges of conspiracy to violate FARA and money laundering.

- The FBI is investigating the case, highlighting concerns over foreign influence in U.S. democracy.

- The indictment underscores the ongoing threat of foreign propaganda efforts in the United States.