Justice Department Seizes 32 Russian-Linked Domains Allegedly Used for Election Interference

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced the ongoing seizure of 32 internet domains used by Russian government-affiliated actors in a covert influence campaign aimed at spreading propaganda, undermining international support for Ukraine, and influencing voters in the 2024 US presidential election.

The campaign, colloquially known as “Doppelganger,” allegedly involved Russian entities Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology, and ANO Dialog, all operating under the direction of Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office . These entities used cybersquatting—registering domains that mimic legitimate media websites—to disseminate Russian government propaganda disguised as content from trusted news outlets, according to an affidavit unsealed by the Justice Department.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of the seizure, stating, “The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains that the Russian government and Russian government-sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections.”

In conjunction with the domain seizures, the US Treasury Department designated 10 individuals and two entities involved in the campaign as part of a broader response to Russia’s malignant influence efforts targeting the 2024 US election. The move follows previous designations by the Treasury Department in March regarding actors involved in the Doppelganger operation.

The FBI investigation revealed that Russian companies used fabricated influencers, fake social media profiles, and AI-generated content to spread disinformation. According to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the campaign specifically targeted American demographics and regions, attempting to sway public opinion in favor of pro-Russian policies.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division warned that this seizure underscores Russia’s aggressive use of disinformation tactics, adding, “This is our third disruption of Russian foreign malignant influence operations in two months.”

The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is continuing the investigation into the case.

UTICA, NY — A 41-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after a domestic incident in which he allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a knife and stole her purse, police said.

Officers from the Utica Police Department were dispatched to the 1000 block of Newell Street at approximately 4:45 pm on September 3, 2024, after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, police located the victim, who had fled the residence out of fear for her safety.

The victim told officers that her boyfriend, Felix Fargas, 41, had arrived at her home, yelling outside. As her anger escalated, Fargas reportedly kicked in the door, ran upstairs, grabbed a kitchen knife, and threatened her. The victim managed to escape the residence and call the police.

As officers arrived at the scene, they spotted Fargas walking away with the victim’s purse and quickly detained him. After investigating the full details of the incident, Fargas was taken into custody and charged with menacing in the second degree, grand larceny in the fourth degreeand criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Fargas was transported to the Utica Police Department for processing.

LINDENWOLD, NJ — The Lindenwold Police Department is investigating the theft of tires from a vehicle parked at The Village of Laurel Creek Apartments on Laurel Road. The incident occurred on September 3, 2024, with the vehicle left resting on yellow soda crates after the theft.

According to police, surveillance footage captured the suspect or suspects arriving at the scene in what appears to be a Nissan sedan. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Tomasetti at 856-784-7566 ext. 421 or via email at [email protected].