Argentina cracks down on Russian disinformation campaign

La Derecha Diario reported the information.

The outlet stated that these individuals are linked to the Kremlin’s geopolitical interests and were engaged in disinformation activities and manipulating public opinion.

The investigation uncovered the existence of an organization called La Compañía, connected to Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died in August 2023, and the so-called Project Lakhta, known for its global disinformation campaigns.

The suspected leader of this operation in Argentina is Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili, a Russian citizen residing there. He is reportedly acting together with his wife, Irina Yakovenko, also a Russian national. Both are said to be responsible for securing funding and establishing ties with local collaborators.

“La Compañía aims to form a group of individuals loyal to Russian interests to carry out disinformation campaigns, collect sensitive political information, and influence foundations, NGOs, and civil society,” according to the official press release.

In response to the threat, Argentine authorities have created the Federal Department of Investigations (DFI) within the Federal Police. The main mission of this new unit will be to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

“The government will not allow Argentina to fall under the influence of any foreign power,” officials stated.