By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
An investigation has uncovered a network of Russia based websites posing as local American newspapers that are spreading fake stories in an AI powered operation targeting the US election. A former Florida police officer, who moved to Moscow, is a significant figure in this operation.
One recent false report claimed that Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, purchased a Bugatti Tourbillon sports car for €4.5 million ($4.8 million) using American military aid funds. The story, which appeared on a little known French website, was quickly debunked. Experts noted anomalies in the invoice, and Bugatti issued a denial, labeling the story as “fake news” and threatening legal action.
Despite the swift debunking, the false story spread widely online, reaching over 6.5 million people through influencers like pro Russia activist Jackson Hinkle. This story, like many others from the operation, aimed to influence US voters by blending American and Ukrainian political issues, including themes of corruption and misuse of US aid.
The operation, known as CopyCop, uses AI to generate thousands of news articles across dozens of websites with American sounding names. These articles, often based on real news but rewritten with a conservative slant, are attributed to fake journalists with profile pictures taken from the internet.
One key individual linked to this operation is John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine and police officer who fled to Moscow in 2016. Although Dougan denies involvement, digital evidence connects him to these websites. Dougan, who has appeared on Russian state media and think tank panels, sees his activities as a form of revenge against American authorities.
The network has shifted focus from Ukrainian to American politics, producing stories like the false claim about the FBI wiretapping Donald Trump’s Florida resort. This operation, though not directly linked to the Russian state, is part of a broader effort to spread disinformation during the US election campaign.
Experts like Chris Krebs and Clint Watts warn of the significant impact such sophisticated disinformation campaigns can have, especially as they blend seamlessly into the “information ocean” of an election campaign. Nina Jankowicz, head of the American Sunlight Project, highlights the evolving tactics of these operations, which now involve more subtle “information laundering.”
The operation also targets UK politics and the Paris Olympics. One fake story claimed that President Zelensky bought a mansion owned by King Charles III, which was shared by an official Russian embassy account. Despite increased scrutiny, Dougan indicated that the operation’s efforts will continue and intensify.
