Hack Exposes Russia's Global Disinformation Network Involving 500+ Foreign Figures

• •Over 500 foreign figures linked to Russia's disinformation campaign were identified.
• •The Doppelgänger network used impersonated media outlets to spread Kremlin narratives.
• •Investigations revealed connections to sanctioned Russian PR firms and foreign intermediaries.

An extensive investigation by OCCRP revealed that a hack of the Russian propaganda site Recent Reliable News (RRN) exposed over 500 foreign individuals from more than 50 countries linked to Russia's Doppelgänger disinformation campaign. This network, which began in 2022, included politicians, former intelligence officers, and academics, many of whom were unaware they were contributing to Kremlin narratives. The investigation identified connections to sanctioned Russian PR firms and highlighted efforts to deepen divisions within Western societies regarding support for Ukraine. The campaign utilized impersonated media outlets and automated social media accounts to amplify its messages. The investigation also noted that the network's operations have shifted to Turkish platforms following the seizure of its main European domains. The findings underscore the ongoing threat of state-sponsored disinformation operations.