A joint report from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly warned states earlier this year to be on the lookout for Russian operatives masquerading as political advisers working in U.S. politics ahead of November’s elections.
The Associated Press reported Monday that the document, produced in February, warned of the possibility that Russian operatives could secretly make contact with U.S. candidates or campaigns in direct attempts to influence U.S. politics, though it reportedly cautioned that officials “have not previously observed Russia attempt this action against the United States.”
AP sources reported that the document went on to cite examples of Russian operatives participating in political campaigns throughout the African continent as examples of how its intelligence services could be operating in America.
Specifically, the report mentioned operatives tied to Russian billionaire Yevgeny Prigozhin, a figure with close ties to President Vladimir Putin, who officials said in the report were active in around 20 African countries.
“Russia has sought to take advantage of countries that have perceived loopholes in laws preventing foreign campaign assistance,” the report reads, according to the AP.
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JUST IN: Top US intel officials warn Russia may try to advise 2020 candidates, campaigns in secret https://t.co/XHBCAtdmKW pic.twitter.com/8vOG2QTHvF
— The Hill (@thehill) May 4, 2020
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