In a recent development, the United States Department of Justice has unsealed two indictments charging Dimitri Simes, 76, and Anastasia Simes, 55, both of Huntly, Virginia, and Russia, with separate schemes to violate U.S. sanctions. The indictments allege their involvement in illegal activities benefiting sanctioned entities, including a state-owned Russian television station and a sanctioned Russian oligarch.

According to the first indictment, Dimitri and Anastasia Simes were allegedly involved in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions on behalf of Channel One Russia, a sanctioned Russian broadcaster. The indictment further claims that the couple laundered funds obtained from this scheme. These activities took place from at least June 2022 and continue to the present. Specifically, the Simes participated in providing services to Channel One Russia and received significant benefits in return.

The second indictment details Anastasia Simes' participation in another scheme to violate U.S. sanctions, this time benefiting sanctioned oligarch Aleksandr Yevgenyevich Udodov. Anastasia and others allegedly purchased art and antiques for Udodov, which were shipped to her residence in Huntly, Virginia, before being forwarded to Russia. This scheme also involved money laundering to conceal the proceeds of the illegal transactions.

Both Dimitri and Anastasia Simes are currently at large and believed to be in Russia. They each face multiple charges related to conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions, violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and conspiracy to commit international money laundering. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.

The investigation of these cases is being led by the FBI Washington Field Office. The Department of Justice's Task Force KleptoCapture, dedicated to enforcing sanctions and export controls in response to Russian military aggression, has coordinated and supported these investigations.

The charges highlight the United States' commitment to combating efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken in response to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. Through these indictments, the Department of Justice aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions and send a clear message that violating U.S. sanctions will not go unpunished.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells made the official announcement regarding these indictments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Hughes, along with Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Sean O'Dowd, from the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, will be prosecuting the case.

The Department of Justice continues to urge individuals to only share sensitive information on official and secure government websites to ensure the protection of personal data.

As the investigations progress, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of these individuals' involvement in the schemes and the potential impact of their actions on national security and international relations.

The grand jury in Maryland has also recently charged six Russian hackers with conspiracy to commit cybercrimes, while additional seizure of internet domains associated with Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns is underway.

The U.S. Department of Justice remains committed to its mission of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the nation's interests against illicit activities and foreign interference.

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