The #RussiaReport, which we tried to get released before the election, is out. It says Russian influence is the "new normal." UK 'enablers' (lawyers, bankers and PR agents) who make this happen are key.
Here's a thread on what it says and how we are digging into this.
Here's a thread on what it says and how we are digging into this.
Russia's wealthy elite has poured money into the UK and we welcomed this with open arms, the report says. But there is little scrutiny, illicit funds multiplied and London is now described as a 'laundromat.' 
Russian money has fuelled a boom in professional enablers, who lobby for Russian interests, many of them connected directly to President Vladimir Putin.
The Russia report says some attempts to stop this, such as the Unexplained-Wealth Orders, haven't worked. Tougher laws, including a register for foreign lobbyists and broader sanctions regime, should be introduced.
UK enforcement agencies are under-resourced and can't compete with oligarchs who can afford expensive lawyers to "find ways to circumvent [...] legislation", the report says.
Last month, @TBIJ announced a new team investigating wrong-doing by the very enablers the ISC has in its sights.
Watch this space for deep investigations into the systemic issues keeping this troubling relationship alive.
thebureauinvestigates.com/blog/2020-06-1…
Watch this space for deep investigations into the systemic issues keeping this troubling relationship alive.
thebureauinvestigates.com/blog/2020-06-1…
