On Wednesday, U.S. prosecutors charged two Russian nationals with funneling millions of dollars into an American media company to promote pro-Kremlin narratives. The indictment, revealed by the Southern District of New York, accuses Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva of conspiring to launder money and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This case is part of a larger Justice Department probe into Russian interference in the 2024 U.S. elections.
Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva reportedly worked for RT (formerly Russia Today), a media outlet funded by the Russian government. RT has been influential in U.S. political discussions, particularly within right-wing circles since the Trump era. Prosecutors allege that RT covertly channeled $10 million through various shell companies to a Tennessee-based media firm, launched in 2023, which then produced content on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) aimed at advancing Kremlin interests.
Suspected U.S. Media Front
The indictment does not name the American company, but the details match Tenet Media, based in Nashville. Tenet, described as a network of “heterodox commentators,” was allegedly used as a front for RT’s influence operation. The company’s founders, Liam Donovan and Lauren Chen, are believed to be “Founder-1” and “Founder-2” in the indictment.
Prosecutors claim that RT used Tenet Media to bypass U.S. regulations, funding it to push divisive content on issues like immigration and inflation, which align with Russian efforts to exacerbate U.S. domestic conflicts and weaken opposition to its policies, especially concerning Ukraine.
Influencers Unwittingly Involved
Prominent right-wing influencers, including Tim Pool and Benny Johnson, were reportedly involved in the scheme without knowing its origins. Pool, with over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers, and Johnson, with nearly 2.4 million, were contracted by Tenet Media to create content. Both expressed surprise at the indictment and claimed they were unaware of the source of their funding. Pool emphasized that his podcast existed independently of Tenet Media, and Johnson stated that he had terminated his contract upon learning of the indictment.
YouTube Takes Action
In response to the indictment, YouTube has removed Tenet Media’s channel and several others operated by its owner, Lauren Chen. The platform cited its commitment to combating coordinated influence operations. The investigation continues, with YouTube closely monitoring the situation.
Russian Government’s Response
Russia’s Foreign Ministry quickly denounced the charges. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson, labeled the indictment a “witch hunt” intended to intimidate Americans. She warned of potential retaliatory measures against U.S. media in Russia, accusing the U.S. of violating media freedom principles.
Details of the Influence Operation
The indictment reveals that Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva were deeply involved in Tenet Media’s operations. Kalashnikov, posing as an “outside editor,” monitored and edited content without disclosing his RT affiliation. Afanasyeva allegedly pushed for content that supported Russian viewpoints, even instructing Tenet’s founders to blame Ukraine and the U.S. for a terrorist attack in Moscow.
The indictment also accuses Tenet Media of failing to register as a foreign agent, using a fictitious investor named “Eduard Grigoriann” to hide RT’s involvement. The indictment details how Tenet Media paid substantial amounts to influencers, with one commentator reportedly receiving $400,000 per month plus a $100,000 bonus.
Financial Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Between October 2023 and August 2024, RT allegedly transferred over $9.7 million to Tenet Media via offshore accounts, with most funds going to influencers. This case highlights the ongoing threat of foreign interference in U.S. media and elections.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing authoritarian regimes from manipulating U.S. media and elections. The investigation into RT’s covert activities is ongoing, with authorities examining whether other influencers and media organizations were similarly affected.
The case underscores the critical need for transparency in media funding and vigilance against foreign influence, especially as the 2024 elections approach.
