U.S. shifts focus from oligarchs to cartels in strategy revamp
The new U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, announced the termination of Task Force KleptoCapture. This task force was established to target oligarchs with ties to the Kremlin following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to The Guardian, the Trump administration disbanded Task Force KleptoCapture. This task force, created after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, was designed to enforce sanctions and target oligarchs close to the Kremlin. Attorney General Pam Bondi decided to disband the public.
In a memorandum, Bondi noted that the resources previously dedicated to pursuing oligarchs will now be redirected to combating drug cartels and international gangs.
This change is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy, which also focuses on fighting illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
Yachts and assets of oligarchs
Task Force KleptoCapture, established during Joe Biden's administration, aimed to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs and enforce sanctions.
As part of its efforts, individuals like Oleg Deripaska and Konstantin Malofeyev were accused of violating sanctions, and yachts belonging to Suleiman Kerimov and Viktor Vekselberg were confiscated.
