The Departments of Justice and Treasury announced actions targeting Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion ahead of the November election. The DOJ unsealed an indictment charging two employees of the Russian-backed media network RT with money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act for implementing a $10 million scheme to fund and disseminate content favorable to Russia. The investigation is ongoing, and the DOJ is seizing internet domains used by Russia to influence the U.S. election. The Treasury Department sanctioned 10 individuals and two entities involved in Moscow’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. RT was found to have used a front company to disguise its involvement in influencing U.S. audiences. RaHDIt, a pro-Russian hacktivist group, was sanctioned for hack-and-leak operations and connections to Russian intelligence agencies. U.S. intelligence agencies have warned of Russian interference in the 2024 election cycle, aiming to undermine support for the Democratic nominee and arms support for Ukraine. The Biden administration has expressed concerns about possible Russian interference in the election. Russian outlets have been found spreading disinformation to hurt President Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates, while former President Trump’s efforts to undermine the 2020 election had a greater impact.
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Biden administration imposes sanctions on Russia for attempting to influence U.S. public opinion before the election
