US Offers $10 Million Reward for Information on Russian Propaganda Network

On October 19, 2024, the US Department of State announced a reward of up to $10 million for information regarding the Russian project Rybar. This initiative is part of the Rewards for Justice program, which aims to combat foreign interference in US elections.

According to US officials, Rybar is a Russian media organization previously funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group. Currently, it is reportedly financed through the state corporation Rostec, which is under US sanctions.

The US government stated that Rybar relies on connections and funding from Rostec to bolster Russia’s military capabilities and promote pro-Russian and anti-Western ideologies. The organization manages propaganda media channels such as HOLDTHELINE and STANDWTHTEXAS, which aim to advance the political interests of the Russian government in the United States.

These projects reportedly engage pro-Republican voters, with HOLDTHELINE boasting an audience of over one million on social media X (formerly twitter). Furthermore, Rybar is believed to have created the social media account TEXASvsUSA to exploit issues surrounding illegal immigration crossing the Texas border.

The account was suspended for violating the platform’s rules, with US authorities claiming that Rybar attempted to sow discord, foster social divisions, incite inter-party and racial animosity, and promote hatred and violence within the United States.

The Rewards for Justice program seeks information that can help locate individuals involved in the Rybar project who knowingly participated or are participating in interference in American elections. The program also encourages tips that could prevent foreign interference in US electoral processes.