A federal grand jury unsealed an indictment charging Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov (Moscow-based Russian national and FSB-linked operator) and two FSB officers, along with four American recruits — Omali Yeshitela (African People’s Socialist Party), Penny Joanne Hess, Jesse Nevel, and Augustus C. Romain Jr. From at least December 2014 through March 2022, Ionov secretly funded and directed U.S. political organizations to sow discord and influence American elections, including the 2020 cycle. Charges: conspiracy to cause U.S. citizens to act as illegal agents of Russia (18 U.S.C. § 951). All Russian defendants remain in Russia. (Source: DOJ, April 18, 2023; CyberScoop)
Ionov Network Indictment: Four Americans, Two Russian FSB Officers Charged