Russian and Iranian groups sanctioned for US election disinformation

WASHINGTON (AP) The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Iranian and Russian efforts to target American voters with disinformation ahead of this year's elections.

Treasury officials announced the sanctions Tuesday, alleging that the two organizations sought to stoke divisions among Americans ahead of the November vote. U.S. intelligence agencies have accused both governments of spreading disinformation, including fake videos, news reports and social media posts, intended to manipulate voters and undermine confidence in U.S. elections.

The Iranian and Russian governments have targeted our electoral processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns, said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, in a press release.

READ MORE: FBI Issues Warning About Fake Videos Impersonating Agency and Pushing Election Misinformation

Authorities said the Russian group, the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, oversaw the creation, financing and dissemination of disinformation about U.S. candidates, including fake videos created using artificial intelligence .

In addition to the group itself, the new sanctions apply to its director, who authorities say worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents, also overseeing cyberattacks and sabotage against the West.

Authorities say the center used AI to quickly make fake videos about U.S. candidates, created numerous fake news websites designed to appear legitimate and even paid U.S. web companies to create pro-Russian content.

The Iranian group, Cognitive Design Production Center, is an affiliate of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guards, U.S. officials said, which the United States has designated a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the center has worked since at least 2023 to stoke political tensions in the United States.

READ MORE: US intelligence officials say video falsely portraying election fraud in Georgia is linked to Russian influence actors

US intelligence agencies have accused the Iranian government of seeking to encourage protests in the United States against Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Iran has also been accused of hacking the accounts of several current and former senior US officials, including senior Donald Trump campaign officials.

In the months leading up to the election, U.S. intelligence officials said Russia, Iran and China were all seeking to undermine confidence in American democracy. They also concluded that Russia sought to support the ultimate winner, Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested cutting funds to Ukraine and repeatedly criticized Russia's military alliance. NATO.

Iran, meanwhile, sought to oppose Trump's candidacy, officials said. The president-elect's first administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Iranian leaders to vow revenge.

Russian and Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected allegations that they sought to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. Messages left for officials in both countries were not immediately returned Tuesday.

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