Prosecutors allege that the purpose of the conspiracy was to create relationships that would “advance the interests of the Russian Federation.” Ionov, according to the indictment, worked with FSB agents to “identify and exploit” connections to US political groups. The indictment describes some of the US political groups as “secessionist groups” based in Florida and California that advocated secession from the US and alleges that Ionov had “direction or control over these groups on behalf of the FSB”, providing economic support. about the group and their use of publishing pro-Russian and pro-separatist propaganda online and on the radio. Six U.S. citizens worked with and were funded by Ionov, including two unnamed Florida residents who ran for public office in 2017 and 2019, the indictment says. The unindicted co-conspirators allegedly worked to advance Russian interests, secessionist movements in California and led pro-secessionist political groups in the US, all with FSB funding. According to the indictment, Ionov supported the 2019 campaign of one of these alleged co-conspirators for local office in Florida by attending campaign events and providing funds. Ionov also allegedly sent campaign progress updates to FSB agents about the candidate who, Ionov reportedly wrote to the FSB, “we are monitoring.” The indictment alleges that Ionov advanced false claims about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as part of the conspiracy, including a video appearance that Ionov allegedly made in a video conference hosted by the Florida-based group. Ionov, who says he is currently in Russia, denied the accusations in a statement to CNN: “Today we received disturbing news about my inclusion on the sanctions list and the opening of a criminal case. I have reviewed the documents and consulted with lawyers in the U.S. .P.A.. Until now, I don’t understand the essence of the charge, as there are no specific references in the documents to persons in the Russian government for whom I allegedly worked. I was particularly impressed by the fact that I allegedly work for the special services. At the same time, no names and officials are being called. I find these accusations devastating.” The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions on Friday against Ionov and Natalya Valeryevna Burlinova, the head of an organization allegedly linked to Russian intelligence services, and their organizations. “The Kremlin has repeatedly sought to threaten and undermine our democratic processes and institutions,” Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in a statement Friday. “The United States will continue our extensive work to counter these efforts and protect our democracy from Russian interference.” Under the law Ionoff is accused of violating, Ionoff faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The indictment refers to media reports describing Ionov as raising funds for the defense of Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to acting as a foreign agent in an attempt to influence US gun rights groups. Prosecutors claim Ionov was warned by an FSB agent who commented on such an article in 2019 that sanctions could be imposed against him. The indictment highlights several episodes of the alleged influence peddling campaign. In 2015, a member of the Florida-based group identified as an unprosecuted UIC-1 co-conspirator traveled to Russia on two occasions — the first time, to meet with Ionov and the second time, to attend a ” separatist conference” in Moscow, according to the indictment. Also that year, Ionov allegedly collaborated with another member of the Florida-based group on a petition to be sent to the United Nations. The alleged plot continued into 2016, prosecutors say, with requests from Ionov that the Florida-based group stage a four-city tour to show that people were opposed to the “colonial US government” and that the group did statements supporting the Russian Olympic team amid doping controversy that year. The indictment also accuses Ionov of emailing members of the California-based group about plans for a demonstration in the California state capital in 2018. Ionov shared details of the demonstration with an FSB agent, who complained that the rally was not a “historic” demonstration, the indictment said. “The prosecution of this criminal conduct is necessary to protect the American public when foreign governments seek to intrude into the American political process,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, where the indictment was filed. he said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to investigate these events and will continue to follow the evidence to ensure that justice is served.” This story has been updated with additional details. CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan contributed reporting.
