In a major development, the United States Department of Justice has filed charges against Dmitri Simes and his wife, Anastasia Simes, for allegedly violating US sanctions and participating in money laundering. Dmitri Simes, a contributor to Channel One Russia, a Russian state-run TV channel, had previously advised Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. The indictment, which was unsealed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses the couple of engaging in a scheme to violate US sanctions on behalf of the Russian broadcaster and laundering money obtained through their illicit activities.

The Department of Justice revealed that although the couple owns a home in Huntly, Virginia, they are currently believed to be in Russia. In August, the couple's Virginia residence was raided by the FBI. The indictment states that Dmitri Simes, who is a dual US-Russian citizen, left the US in late October 2022. Anastasia Simes, also a dual US-Russian citizen, last entered the US in February and returned to Russia in April.

Both Dmitri and Anastasia Simes are facing charges of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, violating the act, and conspiring to commit international money laundering. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, according to the Justice Department.

Prosecutors allege that despite US sanctions imposed on Channel One Russia in May 2022, Dmitri Simes continued to provide his services to the broadcaster, including hosting and producing a television program called "The Great Game." It is claimed that he received over $1 million from the channel after it was sanctioned. The couple also reportedly received benefits such as a stipend for an apartment in Moscow, a personal driver and car, and a team of 10 employees funded by the broadcaster. Additionally, the Simes' allegedly used funds from their work for Channel One Russia to purchase property in the US.

The Justice Department highlighted that the couple had acknowledged the sanctions on Channel One Russia but failed to obtain approval from the US government to continue working for the broadcaster. NBC News has reached out to the Simes' for their comments on the charges.

In a separate indictment, Anastasia Simes has also been charged with violating US sanctions by obtaining funds from sanctioned oligarch Aleksandr Yevgenyevich Udodov. It is believed that Udodov also benefited from this illicit scheme.

The filing of these indictments comes just a day after the Biden administration announced a series of actions against Russia in response to its latest efforts to influence US public opinion leading up to the upcoming general election in November. These actions include charging two employees of the Russian-backed media network RT and imposing additional sanctions.

The trial for Dmitri and Anastasia Simes will take place in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, and if convicted, they could face significant jail time. The case against them underscores the US government's determination to enforce sanctions violations and curb money laundering activities.