Logically identifies new expanded influence campaign in the US with support from the Russian government and PMC Wagner

Logically identified previously reported on individuals leading new influence efforts, claiming to have the support of a PMC Wagner youth organization and financial support amounting to USD $300b from the Russian government for US-based independence movements
The leader of the movements confirmed the existence of this support and clarified that the financial support is related to “trade and business” partnerships, particularly dealing with petroleum in a response to Logically
As the US presidential election nears in November 2024, foreign-backed influence campaigns will persist and expand, posing a significant threat to stability and national security

In an investigation conducted at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, Logically identified a French-language disinformation campaign called “Russosphere” attributed to individuals with reported connections to the Russian government. In the year since, one affiliated individual, Ramzu Yunus, claims to have expanded his influence efforts in the US, with pledged financial support from the Russian government and support from PMC Wagner’s youth organization “Leader”.

After assessing all known and previously unknown accounts and domains associated with Yunus, Logically also identified attempts to recruit individuals for a new independence movement in Jackson, MS, in addition to offering opportunities to invest in gold and gold mining in the Central African Republic, alongside claims of financial incentives for each initiative. A previously identified organization also affiliated with Yunus, the North Atlantic Peace Organization (NAPO), also announced an official alignment with Russia in the past year.

Previous reporting by Logically has noted the use of independence campaigns in the US as an attempt to destabilize the domestic population, and claims of tangible support from both PMC Wagner and the Russian government add a new layer of potential harm to these movements. Recent research conducted by Logically identified a coordinated Russian campaign to amplify claims of “Texas secession” and an imminent “civil war” in light of the Texas border crisis, which also aligns with the tactics identified in this movement. The potential for greater Russian backing of these efforts poses a significant risk to not only the upcoming presidential election, but national security at large.

Commenting on the findings, Logically’s Head of Investigative Research Kyle Walter said:
“Although the findings in this report highlight similar activities to what we observed with the Republic of Detroit last year, the claimed courting of investment and general support from organizations like PMC Wagner and the Russian government for US domestic movements signals a greater intent from Russia to destabilize the country and potentially impact the upcoming election.”

When given the opportunity to respond to Logically’s investigation findings, Ramzu Yunus – the leader of the operation – confirmed:

He traveled to Russia to meet with “youth and officials”
That the $300b of financial support from the Russian Government is in the form of business and trade relationships on products like petroleum
And finally, he stated the right to self-determination by Afro-descendants in the US is legitimate and would be justified in using violence