The US Department of Justice Disbands Unit to Fight Russian Oligarchs.

The US Department of Justice has decided to disband the KleptoCapture task force, which was responsible for enforcing sanctions against Russian oligarchs supporting the Kremlin and confiscating their assets. According to Reuters, the resources previously allocated for sanction enforcement and asset seizure from oligarchs will now be directed toward combating drug cartels and international gangs.

The US Department of Justice also reported that the unit previously focused on fighting corruption abroad will now primarily investigate cases of bribery related to cartels.

KleptoCapture was established by President Joe Biden's administration to limit the financial capabilities of Russian oligarchs supporting Vladimir Putin and to punish those who violate sanctions and export controls. The group has already brought charges against Oleg Deripaska and Konstantin Malofeev for sanction violations and confiscated the yachts of oligarchs Suleiman Kerimov and Viktor Vekselberg, who are also under sanctions.