Dimitri Simes, a former advisor to Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and prominent Russian-American foreign policy expert, is now facing up to 40 years in prison after being indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for violating U.S. sanctions. Simes, along with his wife Anastasia, has reportedly fled to Russia and remains at large, according to multiple sources. The charges stem from their involvement with Russia’s state-backed Channel One television network, which has been under U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Simes’ Role and Connection to the Trump Campaign
Dimitri Simes’ role as a foreign policy expert is well known, particularly his involvement with the Center for the National Interest, a think tank closely associated with Russian foreign policy (also created funnily enough by Richard Nixon). During Trump’s 2016 campaign, Simes was regarded as a key figure who helped shape Trump’s foreign policy platform, especially on Russia. His contacts with high-level Russian officials during this time attracted significant attention, particularly during the Mueller investigation, though he was not directly accused of collusion.
Simes’ relationship with Russia extends beyond the Trump campaign. He has been a long-time contributor to Russian state media, and his work with Channel One Russia has raised serious questions about his allegiances. NBC News reported that the DOJ’s recent indictments against Simes stem from his extensive work as a presenter and producer for Channel One, despite the network being sanctioned for its ties to the Russian government.
The Indictments: Violating U.S. Sanctions and Laundering Money
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On September 5, 2024, the DOJ unsealed indictments against Dimitri Simes and his wife Anastasia, charging them with violating U.S. sanctions and engaging in money laundering. According to the DOJ, Simes provided services to Channel One Russia and received over $1 million in compensation, a personal car and driver, as well as a stipend for an apartment in Moscow. The couple also allegedly engaged in a money-laundering scheme to conceal the proceeds of their illegal activities.
Dimitri Simes and propagandist Vladimir Solovyov bemoan the next round of U.S. sanctions that would finally include Solovyov himself. Simes describes Solovyov—who is constantly advocating nuclear strikes against the U.S. and total destruction of Ukraine—as “an elite journalist.” pic.twitter.com/3vj65wq7I6
— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) September 24, 2022
The DOJ’s press release stated that Simes “participated in a scheme to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)” by providing media services to the Russian government after sanctions were imposed on Channel One. Despite these sanctions, Simes continued to work for the network, hosting and producing programs that promoted pro-Kremlin narratives and undermined U.S. foreign policy efforts.
The indictment further alleges that Simes and his wife not only laundered the money they received but also used their connections to facilitate art purchases for Russian oligarch Aleksandr Udodov, who has also been sanctioned by the U.S. for his role in supporting the Russian economy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Simes’ Escape to Russia
Simes and his wife, who maintain a residence in Huntly, Virginia, are believed to have fled the country shortly before the indictments were made public. The Independent reported that the couple is now believed to be hiding in Russia, a country that has no extradition treaty with the United States. Their flight has raised concerns about the broader issue of Russian operatives and sympathizers seeking refuge in Moscow after facing legal consequences in the U.S.
In response to the charges, the DOJ emphasized that these violations represent a serious threat to U.S. national security. U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves stated, “Such violations harm our national security interests — a fact that Dimitri Simes, with the deep experience he gained in national affairs after fleeing the Soviet Union and becoming a U.S. citizen, should have uniquely appreciated”.
Ties to Russian State Media and Kremlin Influence
Simes’ work with Channel One has been a focal point of the case against him. Channel One, a state-run broadcaster, has been a critical propaganda tool for the Kremlin, particularly in its efforts to shape international perceptions of the war in Ukraine. Simes’ programs, such as “The Great Game,” have been used to promote narratives favorable to Russia while discrediting Western policies.
The indictment highlights Simes’ interactions with high-ranking Russian officials, including his phone call with Vladimir Putin in 2023, underscoring the close relationship between Simes and the Russian government. Despite being aware of the U.S. sanctions imposed on Channel One in 2022, Simes continued his work with the network, which, according to the DOJ, was aimed at furthering Russia’s geopolitical interests.
Simes is not the first individual connected to Russian state media to face legal action in the U.S. In recent years, several other individuals have been charged for their work with Kremlin-backed organizations, as the U.S. government intensifies its efforts to counter foreign interference and propaganda efforts. This case, however, is particularly significant given Simes’ long-standing ties to both Russia and the U.S., as well as his direct role in shaping U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.
A Broader Pattern of Russian Influence?
The charges against Simes come amid heightened concerns about Russian interference in U.S. politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. While the Mueller investigation did not accuse Simes of wrongdoing, it did reveal the extent to which Russian operatives sought to influence the 2016 election in Trump’s favor. Simes’ role as a foreign policy advisor to Trump and his ongoing ties to Russian state media raise questions about the long-term impact of Russian influence on U.S. democracy.
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the Simes case serves as a stark reminder of the Kremlin’s continued efforts to sow discord and undermine U.S. institutions. Whether Simes will ever face justice in the U.S. remains to be seen, but his case underscores the challenges the U.S. faces in holding individuals accountable for actions that threaten national security.
Fuck Russia 100%
Dimitri Simes, once a prominent foreign policy advisor to Trump, now finds himself at the center of a significant legal battle with the U.S. government. Facing 40 years in prison for violating U.S. sanctions and laundering money, Simes is believed to be hiding in Russia, out of reach of American authorities. His case highlights the intricate web of connections between Russian state media, U.S. foreign policy, and the broader geopolitical struggle between the two nations. As the DOJ continues its efforts to bring those who violate U.S. sanctions to justice, the Simes case stands as a critical example of the far-reaching impact of Russian influence in American political life.
Featured image via screengrab
