A former senior FBI official and another American were arrested for illegally aiding a Russian oligarch. The two men reportedly agreed to launder money from billionaire Oleg Deripaska to circumvent sanctions imposed on him after the conflict in Ukraine. The New York City Attorney’s Office published its indictment on Monday — the suspects have been in custody since Saturday, according to the statement.
What also draws attention to the case is that the former FBI employee was responsible for investigations against oligarchs, including Deripaska, when he was in the Federal Police. Along with the second American, who is originally of Russian origin and worked as a court translator, he recently tried to have the sanctions against the billionaire lifted.
references from austria
The indictment also contains references to Austria: the former FBI official traveled to London and Vienna during negotiations to meet Deripaska and others here. In the electronic communication between the two suspects and another employee of the Russian oligarch, Deripaska was never mentioned by name, but the “person” and “our friend from Vienna” and the “Viennese client” were mentioned.
Prosecutor Damian Williams said: “This office will continue to prosecute those who violate US sanctions imposed in response to Russian belligerence in Ukraine to line their own pockets.”
Deripaska himself was charged with US sanctions violations in September. If convicted, Deripaska – who was not in the US – could face up to 20 years in prison, according to the US Department of Justice.
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APA0404 2023-01-23/20:26