$10m offered for info on Russian election interference suspects
19 July 2024 10:03
American authorities have announced a reward of $10 million for information on two individuals suspected of participating in Russian operations aimed at influencing the outcome of elections in the USA. These individuals are Alexander Malkiewicz and Elena Chusaynova, reports The Moscow Times.
The "Rewards for Justice" program is a US government initiative offering rewards for information on various issues, including terrorism, foreign interference in US elections, and malicious cyber activities conducted by foreign entities against the United States.
The Moscow Times, which described Malkiewicz and Chusaynova as "the management of a troll factory," stated that the man was involved in operations aimed at exerting influence, funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Chusaynova, on the other hand, served as the chief accountant in the Lakhta project, which also belonged to Prigozhin.
Russia has begun actions
In April, Microsoft issued a statement saying that Russia has begun a campaign of disinformation and exacerbating divisions in American society. Accounts linked to Russia started spreading controversial and conflict-provoking content aimed at American voters, particularly criticising the support given to Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian aggression.
In July, representatives of US intelligence warned that Russia is attempting to influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections in the USA. According to them, Russia is conducting a campaign aimed at discrediting the current head of state, Joe Biden, and aiding his rival, Donald Trump.
Since the inception of the "Rewards for Justice" program in 1984, which the State Department runs, the US government has paid out more than $250 million to over 125 individuals. These individuals provided crucial information that enabled holding perpetrators accountable or thwarting attacks.
