New court documents reveal that Russia is keeping a very, very long list of influencers to spread its propaganda.

The Russian disinformation plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week may just be the tip of the iceberg, according to newly unsealed court documents.

On Wednesday, the DOJ announced it would seize 32 internet domains linked to a larger Kremlin scheme to promote disinformation and influence the 2024 election. The Russian campaign, known as Doppelganger, uses AI-generated content to create “fake news” boosted through social media with the aim of electing Donald Trump.

Of particular note, the documents released Wednesday included an affidavit that noted a Russian company is keeping a list of more than 2,800 influencers world wide, about one-fifth of whom are based in the United States, to monitor and potentially groom to spread Russian propaganda. The affidavit does not mention the full list of influencers, but is still a terrifying indicator of how deep the Russian plot to interfere in U.S. politics really goes.

  • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    4 months ago

    Saudis aren’t trying to get Trump elected

    The Israelis are, though.

    But Russia influence is really bad.

    US business interests have more influence over Russian foreign policy than Russians have on the US.

    • dragontamer@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      17
      ·
      4 months ago

      Russia is quite sanctioned, and the remaining US Business interest in Russia was looted / stolen by the Russians.

      The business connection between USA and Russia is basically gone. Most (IE Elon Musk) are now making huge moves towards China now.

      What remains are RT and other Russian disinfo groups

      • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 months ago

        The business connection between USA and Russia is basically gone.

        Clearly not, or Russians wouldn’t be able to slide cash into the pockets of social media influencers so easily.

        • dragontamer@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          edit-2
          4 months ago

          Clearly not, or Russians wouldn’t be able to slide cash into the pockets of social media influencers so easily.

          They didn’t. They got caught by the FBI and now we have massive news articles proving Russian influence. They literally just got caught, despite their best efforts at hiding.

          Now comes the hard work at figuring out which of these 2800 influencers are fucking traitors… and which ones were just caught up in the mess. But someone in there had to have known that Russian money was part of this scheme.

            • dragontamer@lemmy.world
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              3
              ·
              edit-2
              4 months ago

              Yes. That is how crimes work. The crime happens and then the FBI looks at you afterwards.

              Are you… American? This crap is taught at grade school level.

              • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                2
                ·
                4 months ago

                That is how crimes work.

                Which banks facilitied these illegal donations and what sanctions are they going to suffer?

                • dragontamer@lemmy.world
                  link
                  fedilink
                  English
                  arrow-up
                  3
                  ·
                  edit-2
                  4 months ago

                  Banks are required to have KYC (know your customer) rules and report things to the FBI. Which the FBI received the reports and have caught the criminals.

                  I’m convinced you aren’t American at this point and don’t have any understanding of how crime or police work around here.

                  • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
                    link
                    fedilink
                    English
                    arrow-up
                    2
                    ·
                    4 months ago

                    Banks are required to have KYC (know your customer) rules and report things to the FBI.

                    So which bank is being penalized for doing business with a Russian client operating under US sanctions?

                    I’m convinced you aren’t American

                    Why stop there? Be convinced I’m not human at all.