The U.S. government has charged Dimitri Simes, a Russian-born U.S. citizen and former adviser to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, with laundering proceeds from work done for a sanctioned Russian state television network. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictments on Thursday, revealing the alleged extent of Simes’ ties to Russian state media and oligarchs.

According to the DOJ, Simes and his wife, Anastasia Simes, received over $1 million in payments, as well as a personal car and driver, in exchange for work they carried out for Russia’s Channel One. The U.S. sanctioned Channel One in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both Dimitri and Anastasia are believed to be residing in Russia, despite owning a home in Virginia.

In addition to the charges against Dimitri Simes, a second indictment alleges that Anastasia Simes received financial support from Russian oligarch Alexander Udodov, who was sanctioned last year for his close ties to the Russian government.

If convicted, the couple faces up to 20 years in prison.

Simes, now 76, previously ran a Washington-based think tank that provided advice to Trump’s 2016 campaign. The DOJ’s investigation highlights a continued scrutiny of ties between members of Trump’s inner circle and Russian entities.

This case adds another chapter to the ongoing concerns over Russian interference and influence in U.S. politics, with significant legal consequences for those involved.

Credit: AP