In the United States, a task force that was engaged in the fight against Russian oligarchs is being dissolved

The US Department of Justice has decided to disband the “KleptoCapture” task force. It was created to monitor compliance with sanctions against Russian oligarchs close to the Kremlin and pursue their assets. About this informs Reuters.

A memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi, released on her first day in office, said the group’s work would be phased out and resources used to implement sanctions and seize assets of oligarchs would be directed to the fight against drug cartels and international criminal groups.

Also, a Justice Department unit that previously enforced the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act will now focus primarily on investigating cartel-related bribery.

It will be recalled that the administration of ex-president Joe Biden introduced a number of measures aimed at limiting the financial capabilities of oligarchs who support the Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, and at punishing persons who facilitate the circumvention of sanctions and violation of export controls. For this, “KleptoCapture” was created at the Ministry of Justice.

Thanks to the group’s work, aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska and television magnate Konstantin Malofeev were charged with sanctions violations. Yachts belonging to oligarchs Suleiman Kerimov and Viktor Vekselberg, who were under sanctions, were also confiscated.