Trump Campaign Advisor Charged Over Sanctioned Russian Ties

The US government has charged Dimitri Simes, a former adviser to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, with working for a sanctioned Russian state TV network and laundering the proceeds. Indictments allege that Simes and his wife, Anastasia, received significant funds and benefits for their work. Convictions could result in up to 20 years in prison.

A Russian-born former adviser to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, Dimitri Simes, has been charged by the US government. Simes allegedly worked for a sanctioned Russian state television network and laundered the proceeds.

According to the Department of Justice, Simes and his wife, Anastasia, received over USD 1 million and a personal car and driver from Russia's Channel One, which was sanctioned by the US in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The couple, who have a home in Virginia and are believed to be in Russia, face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Additional charges allege that Anastasia received funds from sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexander Udodov.