A former FBI agent has confessed to engaging in clandestine activities on behalf of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, who was subject to U.S. sanctions.
Former FBI Agent, Now a Confessed Accomplice to Russian Oligarch
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The former FBI agent, Charles McGonigal, who previously led the FBI’s counterintelligence division in New York, entered a guilty plea in a New York court, acknowledging one count of conspiracy. In exchange for the plea of the former FBI agent, other charges against him were dropped by prosecutors. The case of the former FBI agent came to light when prosecutors alleged that he had received concealed payments from Deripaska while tasked with investigating a rival businessman. Initially pleading not guilty to charges including sanctions violations and money laundering, the former FBI agent shift towards admitting guilt raises questions about the extent of his involvement with Deripaska. During the court proceedings, the former FBI agent revealed that he had collaborated with Deripaska between spring and autumn of 2021. His mission was to unearth damaging information about Vladimir Potanin, a competitor of Deripaska’s, with the goal of having Potanin placed on the U.S. sanctions list.
Sentencing Date Set for Former FBI Agent Involved in Oligarch’s Scheme
Former FBI Agent’s Involvement in Secret Scheme with Sanctioned Russian Tycoon (PHOTO: Ali Hajian)
The revelation that the former FBI agent had received a payment of $17,500 for his efforts raises concerns about the source of these funds. These payments were skillfully routed through accounts in Cyprus and New Jersey, a tactic employed to obfuscate their origin. McGonigal’s regret was palpable in court, as he expressed being “deeply remorseful” for his actions. This startling case has drawn attention from legal experts and commentators, with Seth DuCharme, McGonigal’s attorney, affirming that his client received fair treatment. As the case unfolds, the potential consequences for the former FBI agent are significant, given that the conspiracy charge he pleaded guilty to carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rearden is slated to sentence McGonigal on December 14, which will mark a pivotal moment in this high-profile affair.
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