Russian Nationals Allegedly Used Tennessee Firm to Spread Propaganda

An indictment unsealed Wednesday has revealed that a Tennessee-based content creation company was allegedly used by Russian operatives to influence American audiences with pro-Kremlin messaging. The company produced English-language content disseminated through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, according to the Tennessean.

The indictment alleges that two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, funneled approximately $10 million into the company to amplify propaganda supporting Russian interests. Both individuals previously worked for Russia Today, a state-controlled media outlet. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged them with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Covert Propaganda Operations

According to the indictment, the Tennessee firm posted over 2,000 videos in 10 months, garnering more than 16 million views on YouTube. Although the company is unnamed in the court documents, it describes itself as a “network of heterodox commentators” focusing on Western political and cultural issues, which aligns with the website of Tenet Media.

Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva allegedly concealed their activities by assuming the pseudonyms “Helena Shudra” and “Victoria Pesti.” Their goal was to covertly manage content production, direct funds, and oversee staffing decisions within the U.S.-based firm. These efforts included publishing content that reinforced Russian state narratives.

One specific example cited in the indictment involves a March terrorist attack in Moscow. Afanasyeva allegedly instructed the company to place the blame for the attack on Ukraine and the United States, reflecting Russia’s broader strategy to influence international perceptions.

U.S. Response and Investigation

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of combating foreign interference, stating, “The Justice Department will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to exploit our country’s free exchange of ideas.” Meanwhile, Christopher Wray, the Director of the FBI, described foreign propaganda efforts as a direct threat to U.S. democracy.

Both Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva remain at large, and each faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges of money laundering, as well as an additional five years for FARA violations. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI continuing to expose covert foreign operations aimed at manipulating American media.