WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced the ongoing seizure of 32 internet domains used by Russian government-affiliated actors in a covert influence campaign aimed at spreading propaganda, undermining international support for Ukraine, and influencing voters in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The campaign, colloquially known as “Doppelganger,” allegedly involved Russian entities Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology, and ANO Dialog, all operating under the direction of Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office. These entities used cybersquatting—registering domains that mimic legitimate media websites—to disseminate Russian government propaganda disguised as content from trusted news outlets, according to an affidavit unsealed by the Justice Department.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of the seizure, stating, “The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains that the Russian government and Russian government-sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections.”
In conjunction with the domain seizures, the U.S. Treasury Department designated 10 individuals and two entities involved in the campaign as part of a broader response to Russia’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 U.S. election. The move follows previous designations by the Treasury Department in March regarding actors involved in the Doppelganger operation.
The FBI investigation revealed that Russian companies used fabricated influencers, fake social media profiles, and AI-generated content to spread disinformation. According to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the campaign specifically targeted American demographics and regions, attempting to sway public opinion in favor of pro-Russian policies.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division warned that this seizure underscores Russia’s aggressive use of disinformation tactics, adding, “This is our third disruption of Russian foreign malign influence operations in two months.”
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is continuing the investigation into the case.
