In a significant move, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed its disruption of two separate Russian-directed influence campaigns, codenamed "Doppelganger," aimed at spreading Russian government propaganda. The campaigns sought to undermine international support for Ukraine, promote pro-Russian policies, and manipulate voters in the United States and other countries.

As part of its investigation, the DOJ has accused two employees of RT, the Russian state-owned media outlet, of orchestrating a $10 million scheme to create and distribute content to US audiences while concealing their connections to Russia. RT collaborated with an online content creation company in Tennessee, which contracted US social media influencers to disseminate their content without disclosing the link to Russia.

The indictments come as the US has been increasingly raising concerns about Russian efforts to influence American voters through various means. In the Doppelganger investigation, the DOJ seized 32 internet domains used in the campaigns and identified Russian companies Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology (Structura), and ANO Dialog as being involved. The involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, including First Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, has also been uncovered.

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the charges during a meeting of the DOJ's election threats task force, which was established in 2021 to counter the escalating number of threats against election officials and administrators. Garland emphasized that the investigation remains active and that the Treasury and State departments are also taking parallel actions concerning these matters.

In response to the charges, RT dismissed the findings, with their website jokingly referencing an office poll that included comments like "Ha!" and "2016 called and it wants its clichés back." Despite the dismissive tone, United States intelligence and security officials have been warning for months about Russia's continued efforts to interfere in the upcoming 2024 election. Their tactics reportedly involve undermining the Democratic presidential nominee, exploiting social divisions, fostering distrust in democratic institutions, and eroding support for Ukraine.

The US has openly extended support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia since the 2022 invasion. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines has affirmed that "Russia remains the most active foreign threat to our elections," a sentiment echoed by various officials.

This is not the first time that the Kremlin's involvement in meddling with foreign elections has been exposed. The DOJ previously sanctioned the operators behind a network of fake accounts and phony news websites known as Doppelganger, which impersonated reputable news outlets, governments, and institutions. The campaign utilized tactics such as spreading disinformation and promoting pro-Kremlin narratives.

Most recently, the campaign employed fake French-language news sites to disseminate corruption allegations regarding the Paris Olympics 2024, as well as concerns about potential violence. Microsoft's report highlighted these deceptive practices. The Kremlin's reliance on fake social media accounts to sow discord and advance its own interests has long been known.

In July, the DOJ disrupted another Russian propaganda campaign that employed artificial intelligence tools and relied on fake social media accounts, impersonating Americans to disseminate disinformation both within the US and in other countries. These activities were linked to an editor at RT, which, in 2017, was required by the DOJ to register as a foreign agent due to its involvement in Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 election.

The investigation revealed that the use of AI-powered bot farms facilitated the creation of fake profiles on various platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter). The accounts posted content in support of Russia's war in Ukraine and promoted pro-Kremlin narratives. The project was allegedly funded by the Kremlin and led by a Russian intelligence officer, with an editor at RT playing a key role.

As the DOJ's investigation progresses, it shines a spotlight on the ongoing battle against foreign interference in elections and the growing need for robust measures to safeguard democratic processes around the world.