The U.S. government has recently filed charges against a Russian-born American citizen and former adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign for allegedly working for a sanctioned Russian state television network and laundering money. Dimitri Simes and his wife Anastasia Simes reportedly received over $1 million and other benefits for their work with Russia’s Channel One since June 2022 when the network was sanctioned due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Despite having a residence in Virginia, the couple is believed to be in Russia.
According to U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, the violations committed by the defendants were in breach of sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and compromised national security interests. Dimitri Simes, having gained extensive experience in national affairs after immigrating to the U.S. from the Soviet Union, should have been well aware of the implications of his actions.
The indictments have emerged amidst increasing concerns about Russian interference in the upcoming U.S. election through online disinformation and propaganda. The recent charges against two employees of the Russian media organization RT for covertly funding a Tennessee company involved in promoting pro-Russian content further highlight these worries.
Despite being a central figure in the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election, Dimitri Simes was never formally charged with any crime. His interactions with individuals in Trump’s circle, such as Jared Kushner, and his involvement in arranging a foreign policy speech where Trump was introduced by Simes at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington have been documented.
Anastasia Simes, on the other hand, faces separate charges for allegedly receiving funds from Alexander Udodov, a sanctioned Russian businessman with ties to the Russian government and its Prime Minister Mishustin. Udodov has a history of being investigated for money laundering.
If found guilty, the couple could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison. Despite attempts to contact their attorney and representatives from the Trump campaign for comment, there has been no immediate response.
