The Department of Justice has indicted a major conservative media company for allegedly receiving millions of dollars in funding from Russian state media.
At a Glance
- Six conservative influencers, including Tim Pool and Dave Rubin, were unknowingly linked to Russian-funded media.
- The media company allegedly pushed Kremlin-favorable narratives.
- Two RT employees are charged with money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
- The indictment reveals extensive operations to influence the 2024 election.
- Tenet Media is the likely company involved, with over 16 million views on YouTube.
DOJ Indicts Media Company Over Russian Funding
The Department of Justice has indicted a Tennessee-based conservative media company, likely Tenet Media, alleging it received millions of dollars from Russian state media sources. The DOJ contends that this funding supported efforts to promote Kremlin-favorable narratives and amplify domestic divisions within the U.S.
According to the indictment, experts believe this operation represents the most detailed example of Russian influence on the 2024 election to date. The media company produced English-language videos that aligned with Kremlin interests, aiming to influence the political climate in the U.S. Influencers unknowingly associated with the company include major conservative figures such as Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson.
Influencers Unaware of Funding Source
The Department of Justice does not accuse the influencers of any wrongdoing, stating that they were misled about the funding source. Tim Pool stated, “Should these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company as to what they do or to what they are instructed.”
Similarly, Benny Johnson issued a statement saying, “We are disturbed by the allegations in today’s indictment, which make clear that myself and other influencers were victims in this alleged scheme. My lawyers will handle anyone who states or suggests otherwise.”
Indictment Details Accusations Against RT Employees
The indictment includes charges against two RT employees, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The DOJ alleges they funneled nearly $10 million through shell entities to Tenet Media. Almost 90% of Tenet’s bank deposits came from RT.
The indictment claims the company and its affiliates created a fake investor, “Eduard Grigoriann,” to solicit work from these commentators, involving significant financial incentives. One commentator’s contract included $400,000 per month and a $100,000 signing bonus, highlighting the extent of the alleged scheme.
Sources:
- Justice Dept. charges two Russian media operatives in alleged scheme
- Right-wing influencers were duped to work for covert Russian influence operation, US says
- U.S. says Russia funded media company that paid right-wing influencers millions for videos
- Biden administration announces major actions to tackle Russian efforts to influence 2024 election
- Russian money was funneled to right-wing creators through a pro-Trump media outlet, prosecutors say
- Justice Department Disrupts Covert Russian Government-Sponsored Foreign Malign Influence Operation Targeting Audiences in the United States and Elsewhere
- Right-Wing Influencer Network Tenet Media Allegedly Spread Russian Disinformation
