The Department of Justice today unsealed two indictments charging Dimitri Simes, 76, and Anastasia Simes, 55, both of Huntly, Virginia, and Russia with two separate schemes to violate U.S. sanctions.
As alleged in the first indictment, Dimitri and Anastasia Simes participated in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions for the benefit of sanctioned Russian broadcaster Channel One Russia and to launder funds obtained from that scheme. Channel One Russia, a state-owned Russian television station, was sanctioned by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on May 8, 2022.
From June 2022 through the present, Dimitri Simes, Anastasia Simes and others allegedly participated in a scheme to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by providing services to Channel One Russia. These services included serving as a presenter and producer of programming. They received over $1 million in compensation along with other benefits such as a personal car and driver, an apartment stipend in Moscow, and a team of ten employees from Channel One Russia following its designation by OFAC. The indictment alleges that Dimitri and Anastasia Simes also engaged in money laundering to conceal the proceeds of IEEPA violations.
Dimitri and Anastasia Simes maintain a home in Huntly, Virginia but are believed to be currently residing in Russia. They face charges including one count each of conspiracy to violate the IEEPA, violating the IEEPA itself, and conspiracy to commit international money laundering. If convicted on all counts, they could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge.
In the second indictment, it is alleged that Anastasia Simes further violated U.S. sanctions for sanctioned oligarch Aleksandr Yevgenyevich Udodov. Udodov was sanctioned by OFAC on Feb. 23, 2023 for his involvement in the management consulting sector of the Russian Federation economy. From February 2023 onwards, Anastasia Simes allegedly purchased art and antiques for Udodov from galleries and auction houses in the United States and Europe. These items were shipped to her residence in Huntly before being forwarded to Russia. In return for these activities she received reimbursement plus service fees.
Anastasia Simes faces similar charges as those related to Channel One Russia: one count each of conspiracy to violate IEEPA violations directly under IEEPA itself; additionally another count involving international money laundering attempts aimed at concealing proceeds derived thereof . Should conviction arise upon this second set accusations alone potential sentencing again spans up-to twenty years imprisonment per individual charge respectively cited therein .
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G Olsen alongside US Attorney Matthew M Graves FBI National Security Branch Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells jointly made announcements regarding this matter noting FBI Washington Field Office spearheading investigation efforts herein .
The case prosecutions will be handled primarily by Assistant US Attorney Alexandra Hughes alongside Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman Sean O'Dowd part National Security Division Counterintelligence Export Control Section respectively designated involved task force overseeing these matters notably Task Force KleptoCapture whose formation announcement dates back March-2nd last year under Attorney General directive leadership coordination emanating Deputy's office ongoing response addressing broader geo-political implications stemming from Russian military engagements within Ukrainian territories amongst allies partners internationally aligned therein .
It remains important reiterate indictment merely constitutes formal accusation against defendants presumption innocence persists until such time proven otherwise through due process established judicial channels accordingly .