ECNETNews Reports
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially disbanded the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), which was established in 2017 to examine the efforts of foreign state actors, including Russia and China, to sway U.S. public opinion, particularly during elections. This decision follows criticism from various political figures regarding the investigations into foreign interference, particularly in light of significant findings by special investigations into Russian operations aimed at influencing the 2016 presidential election.
In a strategic shift, the DOJ plans to redirect much of its workforce and resources toward the “total elimination” of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations within the United States. This reallocation will come at the expense of specialized units that were previously focused on prosecuting white-collar crime and foreign election interference.
This change, articulated in memos issued by newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, reflects a significant transformation within the department amidst ongoing allegations of political bias against it. Bondi emphasized the need for a “fundamental change in mindset and approach” to effectively combat drug cartels during her first day in office.
“It is imperative that we do more than merely mitigate the extensive damages these organizations inflict upon our nation,” Bondi stated. “We must harness the full capabilities of the Department of Justice and collaborate urgently with the Department of Homeland Security, aiming to decisively eliminate these threats to U.S. sovereignty.”
Elimination of Kleptocracy Programs
Bondi’s memo also announced the discontinuation of specific units within the DOJ, including those aimed at targeting kleptocrats—public officials who exploit their position for personal gain at the expense of their citizens.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which was launched in 2010, worked to detect and reclaim the assets stolen by these officials. Additionally, Task Force KleptoCapture was developed in early 2022 to address the financial interests of oligarchs associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ensure compliance with sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
“Attorneys previously assigned to these initiatives will return to their prior roles,” Bondi noted. “Resources currently allocated for these programs will now be dedicated to the mission of completely eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.”
The DOJ’s Criminal Division will now focus its efforts on prosecuting foreign bribery linked to the operations of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, diverting attention from cases that do not involve these connections.
