US Accuses Russia of Widespread Election Interference, Seizes Fake Websites

The Biden administration has accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election through a sophisticated influence campaign. This involved creating fake news sites designed to spread Russian propaganda covertly.

The Justice Department has filed charges against two individuals and seized over two dozen internet domains used in this alleged foreign malign influence campaign, reportedly directed by the Russian government. The State and Treasury Departments are also expected to announce related actions against Russia.

Attorney General Merrick Garland disclosed these measures at a meeting of the Election Threats Task Force, which included FBI Director Chris Wray. An indictment unsealed in New York charges two Russia-based employees of RT, a state-controlled media outlet, with money laundering and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Garland stated that RT and these employees orchestrated a $10 million scheme to fund a Tennessee-based company to disseminate pro-Russian content. This content aimed to deepen US divisions and promote anti-Ukraine narratives.

"The American people have a right to know when foreign powers exploit our free exchange of ideas to spread their own propaganda," Garland said.

The Justice Department has also seized 32 internet domains allegedly used by the Russian government and its supporters in a "covert campaign" to interfere with US elections. Garland highlighted that these actions underscore the extent to which the Russian government is willing to undermine democratic processes.

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The "Doppelganger" Campaign

A 71-page affidavit unsealed in Pennsylvania reveals that these 32 domains were part of a foreign malign influence campaign named "Doppelganger," violating US money laundering and trademark laws. Investigators found that Russian entities used these domains, some mimicking legitimate news outlets, to spread propaganda since at least 2022.

Garland noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle directed PR companies to push disinformation and state-sponsored narratives to influence the US presidential election. An internal Kremlin document reportedly aimed to secure Russia's preferred outcome in the election.

These campaigns employed "cybersquatted" domains, designed to resemble legitimate news sites like the Washington Post or Fox News. The goal was to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro-Russian policies, and sway US and foreign elections while concealing the Russian government's role.

The Justice Department alleges that "Doppelganger" used global influencers, paid social media ads, and fake profiles purporting to be US citizens to drive traffic to these fake sites.

Project Objectives

The documents detail various projects, including the "Good Old USA Project," "Guerilla Media Campaign," and "U.S. Social Media Influencers Network Project."

• The "Good Old USA Project" aimed to increase US scepticism towards supporting Ukraine and lower President Biden’s approval rating to 29% before the November election. Target audiences included battleground states, conservative areas, and specific demographics like gamers and Hispanic Americans.
• The "Guerilla Media Campaign" sought to exploit fears related to job loss, crime, and overspending on foreign policy, with a focus on issues affecting white Americans. The target audience appeared to be aligned with the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump.
• The "U.S. Social Media Influencers Network" aimed to create 200 Twitter accounts to pose as pro-Republican influencers, enhancing the pro-Russian agenda by blending with the GOP’s messaging.

The European Union had already sanctioned several Russians involved in "Doppelganger" in July 2023 for running a digital manipulation campaign supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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Election Interference Warnings

FBI Director Wray and other officials have warned of ongoing attempts by foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran, and China, to interfere with the electoral process. The FBI recently disrupted a Russian AI-enhanced social media bot farm designed to spread disinformation. Additionally, Iran has been actively targeting US presidential campaigns.

The intelligence community has confirmed Russian efforts in at least 11 elections across nine democracies between 2020 and 2022, highlighting a persistent threat to democratic processes globally.