US offers $10 million reward for info on russian election meddling
According to The Moscow Times, American authorities have announced a $10 million reward for information about two individuals suspected of participating in Russian operations to influence the outcome of the US elections. These individuals are Alexander Malkiewicz and Elena Chusaynova.
5:11 AM EDT, July 19, 2024
The "Rewards for Justice" program is a US government initiative that offers 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 portal described Malkiewicz and Chusaynova as the "leadership of the troll factory." It reported that Malkiewicz had worked on influence operations financed by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Meanwhile, Chusaynova served as the chief accountant in Project Lakhta, which was also associated with Prigozhin.
Russia has started actions
In April, Microsoft released a statement claiming that Russia has started a disinformation and divisive campaign in American society. Accounts linked to Russia began spreading controversial and divisive content aimed at American voters, particularly criticizing the support provided to Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian aggression.
In July, representatives of American intelligence warned that Russia is trying to influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections in the USA. According to them, Russia is conducting a campaign to discredit the current head of state, Joe Biden, and help his rival, Donald Trump.
Since establishing the "Rewards for Justice" program in 1984, which the State Department conducts, the US government has paid over $250 million to more than 125 individuals. These individuals provided significant information that enabled holding the guilty accountable or thwarting attacks.
