#BREAKING: Maria Butina PLEADS GUILTY to acting as an agent of the Kremlin — agreeing to cooperate w/ Federal Prosecutors.
The "Russian gun-rights activist" is the first Russian national convicted for conspiring to influence U.S. Policy.
She infiltrated the NRA and GOP in 2016.
The "Russian gun-rights activist" is the first Russian national convicted for conspiring to influence U.S. Policy.
She infiltrated the NRA and GOP in 2016.
#RELATED: Russia, Dark Money, the NRA, and the 2016 election.
Thankfully, the Senate just overturned the Trump administration rule change that would've allowed orgs like the NRA to keep donors secret...
...a rule changed the same day Butina was charged.
Thankfully, the Senate just overturned the Trump administration rule change that would've allowed orgs like the NRA to keep donors secret...
...a rule changed the same day Butina was charged.
#RELATED: The wife of a former NRA president offered Maria Butina 1 million dollars to secure tons of Russian jet fuel for an American middleman. The scheme would've violated sanctions.
Clearly, those around the NRA knew Butina wasn't just an "activist."
Clearly, those around the NRA knew Butina wasn't just an "activist."
#RELATED: Butina's handler, oligarch Alexander Torshin, claimed to be using the NRA as a communications "conduit" btwn Trump + Russia.
A back-channel for communications existed...at the same time historic money was pouring into the campaign from the NRA.
A back-channel for communications existed...at the same time historic money was pouring into the campaign from the NRA.
#REMEMBER: Butina was NOT charged by Mueller.
She was charged by, and is cooperating with, DOJ prosecutors in the National Security Division.
However, as with most cooperation deals, it likely mandates cooperation with ALL investigations...Mueller's too.
She was charged by, and is cooperating with, DOJ prosecutors in the National Security Division.
However, as with most cooperation deals, it likely mandates cooperation with ALL investigations...Mueller's too.
