The Department of Justice (DOJ) has unsealed an indictment against two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, accusing them of participating in a foreign influence scheme aimed at manipulating U.S. elections.

Both individuals now face charges announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland related to funneling millions of dollars from the Kremlin into U.S. organizations to promote propaganda, and if convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The indictment, part of a broader DOJ investigation into election interference, reveals a complex plot involving shell companies, Russian propaganda, and a U.S.-based media company.

Russian Influence Allegations Revealed in DOJ Probe

According to the DOJ, the indictment was unsealed on Wednesday, revealing that Kalashnikov, 31, and Afanasyeva, 27, are accused of laundering $10 million from the Kremlin through a network of shell companies.

The funds allegedly ended up in TENET Media, a Tennessee-based company formed in 2023, which has hosted well-known conservative influencers like Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, and Lauren Southern.

The charges filed against Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva include conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). They are also employed by RT, a media outlet controlled by the Russian government.

Shell Companies and Misleading Propaganda Campaign

Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva allegedly used shell companies to obscure the source of their funding. They are said to have funneled millions of dollars through various entities before directing it to TENET Media. Prosecutors claim that TENET Media was used as a vehicle to spread divisive propaganda aimed at polarizing American voters.

TENET Media's founders allegedly misled the influencers involved, telling them the funds came from a fictitious figure named "Eduard Grigoriann." As a result, the influencers allegedy unknowingly produced content based on false information regarding the origins of their funding.

Internet Domains Seized in Broader Propaganda Crackdown

As part of the investigation, the DOJ seized 32 internet domains linked to spreading Russian propaganda. The content on these websites, according to U.S. officials, was designed to weaken opposition to Russian geopolitical interests, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The DOJ also released a 69-page affidavit with attachments detailing the alleged foreign influence scheme. The FBI and DOJ claim that the seized websites were used to “trick Americans into unwittingly consuming Russian propaganda,” according to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Propaganda Aimed at Weakening U.S. Opposition

The influence campaign uncovered in this case is believed by the DOJ to be part of a larger Russian effort to sway public opinion in the U.S. By promoting divisive content, the campaign sought to exacerbate political divisions and undermine U.S. opposition to Russia's actions, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Garland emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “The American people are entitled to know when a foreign power is attempting to exploit our country’s free exchange of ideas in order to send around its own propaganda.”

Treasury Department Sanctions Key Individuals

In addition to the indictment, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on several individuals, including Kalashnikov, Afanasyeva, and seven others, for their roles in the interference effort. Margarita Simonyan, the head of RT, was also among those sanctioned.

Simonyan responded to the sanctions, commenting, “If they kick us out completely, how will they conduct the next elections? They don’t have any other strategies except to scaremonger about the almighty RT.”

Conclusion

The DOJ’s unsealed indictment against two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, underscores ongoing efforts by foreign actors to influence U.S. elections.

Through shell companies and misleading propaganda, they funneled millions of dollars into U.S.-based media with the aim of promoting divisive content.

As part of the crackdown, the DOJ has seized 32 internet domains while the Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on the key players involved.

U.S. officials, including Attorney General Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, stress the importance of transparency in identifying and countering foreign influence.