The US Department of Justice has downsized the unit, known for seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs sanctioned due to the war in Ukraine, reported Bloomberg and Reuters. The KleptoCapture group was engaged in enforcing sanctions, searching for and seizing the assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs: their yachts, planes, and real estate. The new US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was confirmed in office on February 5, disbanded the group, redirecting all resources to combat drug cartels.
In Bondi's memorandum, it is stated that the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation unit in the Department of Justice should focus on investigations related to bribery of foreign officials, which «facilitates human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal arms trade». Prosecutors «must shift attention from investigations and cases» not related to cartel activities and transnational criminal organizations, added the head of the department. Task force members will return to their previous positions. The order will be in effect for at least 90 days and may be extended or made permanent, according to the service note.
The KleptoCapture group was established in March 2022 as a unit of the US Department of Justice. Its tasks included enforcing sanctions and export restrictions against Russia, as well as fighting «corrupt Russian oligarchs». As of February 2024, KleptoCapture restricted access, seized, or obtained court rulings for the confiscation of Russian businessmen's assets worth almost $700 million. During its operation, the group charged more than 70 individuals with violations of sanctions and export control against Russia.
In April 2024, former US President Joe Biden signed a law allowing the confiscation of Russian assets, including those of the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, or Direct Investment Fund, under American jurisdiction. At the time, the document stated that «the confiscation and repurposing of Russian sovereign assets by the United States serve key US national security objectives and align with American and global law». Under the new administration, national security priorities have changed.
As reported by Associated Press, the foreign influence task force, created during Donald Trump's first presidential term to monitor information campaigns by Russia and other countries aimed at undermining democracy and spreading disinformation, has also been disbanded.