Justice Department Accuses Russia Of “Covert Campaign” To Influence 2024 Election; Effort Included Bankrolling Company Tied To Right-Wing Commentators — Update
deadline.comUPDATED: The Justice Department seized internet domains and unsealed criminal charges as part of an effort to call attention to the spread of Russian-backed disinformation in advance of the 2024 election.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said that the 32 internet domains were used by the Russian government and government-sponsored actors as part of a “covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections.” The DOJ claims that members of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s inner circle directed Russian PR fims to promote disinformation. “An internal planning document created by the Kremlin states that a goal of the campaign is to secure Russia’s preferred outcome in the election,” Garland said.
The government propaganda was created to reduce international support for Ukraine and bolster pro-Russian policies, he said.
The DOJ’s Lisa Monaco also said that Russian companies, including SDA, Structura and ANO Dialog fabricated influencers and created fake profiles to promote AI-generated false narratives on social media.
Read more on deadline.com