Contributor of Russia-backed TV network charged by DOJ for violating U.S. sanctions and money laundering

The Department of Justice has charged Dmitri Simes, a contributor to Channel One Russia, and his wife, Anastasia Simes, with violating U.S. sanctions and money laundering. The couple, who are believed to be in Russia and have a home in Virginia, were charged with conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, violating the act, and conspiring to commit international money laundering. They each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The indictment alleges that Dmitri Simes continued to work for Channel One Russia and received over $1 million from the broadcaster after it was sanctioned by the U.S. The couple also allegedly used the funds to buy property in the U.S. and received other benefits from the broadcaster. Anastasia Simes was charged in a second indictment for violating U.S. sanctions by obtaining funds from a sanctioned oligarch. The indictments come after the Biden administration announced actions against Russia’s efforts to influence U.S. public opinion ahead of the November election, including charges against employees of the Russian-backed media network RT and sanctions. NBC News reached out to the Simes’ for comment on the charges, and the couple have acknowledged that Channel One Russia was sanctioned by the U.S. and did not obtain approval from the government to continue working there.

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