Washington DC, Oct 1: The US Treasury Department has on Monday imposed sanctions on various Russian individuals for supposed endeavors to influence the 2018 United States midterm polls.
Among them are Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the Russian lender behind the Internet Research Agency, and six other representatives, according to Anadolu Agency.
The firm is portrayed as St. Petersburg-based “troll farm” that utilizes web-based life records and phony news stories to meddle in the US elections, the Financial Times revealed.
“Today’s action also increases pressure on previously designated person Yevgeniy Prigozhin by targeting his physical assets, including three aircraft and a yacht, as well as employees of the Internet Research Agency, which Yevgeniy Prigozhin finances,” the Treasury Department said in an official statement.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated his agency will make use of its “authorities against anyone seeking to undermine our processes and subversively influence voters”.
Anybody working with Prigozhin or utilizing one of his aircraft or yachts could confront optional sanctions, the Department said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated the activity on Monday filled in as a warning and the individuals who keep on drawing in with these people, organizations, air jets, or vessel may likewise be dependent upon future sanctions.
“The United States will continue to push back against malign actors who seek to subvert our democratic processes and we will not hesitate to impose further costs on Russia for its destabilizing and unacceptable activities,” Pompeo said.