Unsealed FBI Doc Exposes Terrifying Depth of Russian Disinfo Scheme
newrepublic.com
New court documents reveal that Russia is keeping a very, very long list of influencers to spread its propaganda.

New court documents reveal that Russia is keeping a very, very long list of influencers to spread its propaganda.

The Russian disinformation plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week may just be the tip of the iceberg, according to newly unsealed court documents.

On Wednesday, the DOJ announced it would seize 32 internet domains linked to a larger Kremlin scheme to promote disinformation and influence the 2024 election. The Russian campaign, known as Doppelganger, uses AI-generated content to create “fake news” boosted through social media with the aim of electing Donald Trump.

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Of particular note, the documents released Wednesday included an affidavit that noted a Russian company is keeping a list of more than 2,800 influencers world wide, about one-fifth of whom are based in the United States, to monitor and potentially groom to spread Russian propaganda. The affidavit does not mention the full list of influencers, but is still a terrifying indicator of how deep the Russian plot to interfere in U.S. politics really goes.

  • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
    22·
    3 months ago

    If a homegrown fully American Pro-Russia PAC was started, how could we be sure there was no Russian government involvement? Donations are opaque.

    • Bernie_Sandals@lemmy.world
      31·
      3 months ago

      The same way we prosecute all other breakings of FARA such as this one and all others, the donations aren’t so opaque that the DOJ/FBI can’t investigate it and figure out what’s happening, just as they did here.

    • TheFonz@lemmy.world
      21·
      3 months ago

      Do you think they walk around with millions of cash in bags with dollar signs on them??? How do you think money moves around or these orgs are audited?

      If you don’t understand a topic, it’s OK. Say “I will do some research”.

      I don’t argue with people about quantum string theory because I don’t understand it. It’s OK. Just take some time. All the information is out there. It’s not as complicated as string theory, but if you put some time and heart into it you can get to the bottom of this conundrum.

      • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
        22·
        3 months ago

        Let’s try a simple experiment.

        Show me a breakdown of AIPACs sources of funds and spending. It doesn’t to be a nicely presented infographic (although it should). Just link me to the data.

        • TheFonz@lemmy.world
          21·
          3 months ago

          I don’t understand the hubris in online discussions. Do you see me going around debating string theory with anyone? It’s Ok to say ‘I don’t know’. The world would be so much better if we all just were a bit more honest. No one will think less of you. In fact, they’ll respect you more.

          It’s not on us to hold your hand each step of the way to explain how finance regulation works or how difficult it is to move the large sums of money we are talking about. You made the claim AIPAC is circumventing FARA and that anyone can set up a lobby group tied to foreign funds easy like opening up a PayPal account. This betrays total ignorance of how much you understand about finance regulation. In order to even start a conversation we have to unpack all of FARA and everything else tied to finance regulation. I’m not obbligated to ‘show you the sources’ of AIPAC funds because you don’t even understand the foundations of what we’re talking about. So pump the breaks big guy.

          We are not here to hold your wee wee every time you need to pee, but here you are, pissing in the pool so we have to put up with conspiracy theories day in and out.

          • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
            22·
            3 months ago

            A lot of words just to say that we don’t know anything about AIPACs finances.

            Russia just needs to copy the Israeli lobbying model.

            • TheFonz@lemmy.worldEnglish
              21·
              3 months ago

              YOU made the claim. Show us the evidence (you won’t) that AIPAC circumvented FARA.

              Either:

              • You have no clue what you’re talking about,
              • You’re intentionally spreading misinfo

              Which is it?

              • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
                2·
                3 months ago

                No. I stated that Russia can follow the AIPAC model, set up ARPAC, funnel money to some American donors and influence the election perfectly legally.

                • TheFonz@lemmy.world
                  21·
                  3 months ago

                  You’re not tracking the convo.

                  Its the “funneling money” part you’re not getting. They can’t just PayPal it to their buddy.

                  I’m a US citizen living abroad. If I have over 10k in my account it triggers my bank to notify FBAR and they have to report it to the IRS - and that’s not even an America bank!

                  At this point we’re looping.

                  • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
                    22·
                    3 months ago

                    Overpay for services. Pay for non existing services. Use intermediaries. There are many, many laundering techniques and Russians are not stupid.

                    The point is that the shady thing happen at the donor level. The PAC stays clean and above board, and it’s financial practices remain opaque.