
On August 4th, 2022, the FBI searched the homes of two Americans affiliated with Russian state media. The individuals targeted were Scott Ritter, a former United Nations weapons inspector critical of U.S. foreign policy, and Dimitri K. Simes, an adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The searches were prompted by recent U.S. warnings about Russian government involvement in the upcoming November U.S. presidential election.
One of the homes was located in Delmar, New York, and the other in Virginia. Both men confirmed the searches through media statements but were not available for further comments. When questioned about these searches, the FBI acknowledged conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity at certain locations.” U.S. intelligence has stated that Russia is the primary threat to U.S. elections and is using various tactics to support specific candidates and create discord. Russia has denied these allegations.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the U.S. Justice Department has initiated a wider criminal investigation into Americans who have collaborated with Russia’s state television networks. This information was provided by unnamed U.S. officials briefed on the inquiry. The FBI did not provide any additional comments on the story.
According to the Times, more searches are anticipated soon and there is a possibility of criminal charges. However, prosecutors have not yet announced any charges against Simes.
Sergey Simes, who hosts a weekly talk show on Russian state television Channel One, stated in an interview with the state-owned media outlet Sputnik that he believed the FBI’s search of his home was an attempt to intimidate and discredit him. He also suggested that the search was intended to hinder his ability to live in or visit the United States and to damage his finances.
In a similar vein, Ritter, who was convicted in 2011 as part of an online underage sex sting, mentioned that the FBI’s search of his home was connected to concerns the U.S. government has regarding potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This law mandates that Americans disclose their political activities carried out on behalf of foreign principals.
He denies the violations and said he felt the search was retribution for his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, including with respect to Ukraine. He said he cooperated with the search.
Ritter wrote in state media outlet Russia Today this week that he been “an external contributor (i.e., contactor) to RT since April 2020.”