Three Russian government officials were charged with conspiring to affect U.S. policy toward Russia with staged events and propaganda — including efforts to influence members of Congress.
An indictment against Aleksandr Babakov, deputy chairman of the state duma, Russia’s lower legislative body, and two members of his staff was unsealed Thursday in Manhattan federal court. Babakov, Aleksandr Vorobev and Mikhail Plisyuk were accused of trying to influence members of Congress and others to advance Russia’s interests, with one unidentified lawmaker being offered a free trip to Crimea in 2017.
U.S. prosecutors have stepped up efforts against Russian targets after the invasion of Ukraine, and the Justice Department last month launched a task force targeting wealth hidden oversees by oligarchs and others close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
