On Thursday, Jack Hanick, former Fox News director was accused of violating U.S. sanctions through his work with Konstantin Malofeyev (Russian oligarch). AccordingTo the Justice Department.
American citizens are prohibited from doing business or working for Malofeyev. Hanick (71), was found to have worked with Malofeyev over a number of years and made false statements concerning that relationship. Hanick was arrested in London in February. The sanctions charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. False statements charges carry a maximum penalty amounting to five years.
“Konstantin Malofeyev is closely tied to Russian aggression in Ukraine, having been determined by OFAC to have been one of the main sources of financing for the promotion of Russia-aligned separatist groups operating in the sovereign nation of Ukraine,”In the release, U.S. attorney Damian Williams stated. “The Indictment unsealed today shows this Office’s commitment to the enforcement of laws intended to hamstring those who would use their wealth to undermine fundamental democratic processes. This Office will continue to be a leader in the Justice Department’s work to hold accountable actors who would support flagrant and unjustified acts of war.”
Malofeyev was previously sanctioned in the past for threatening Ukraine, and financial support to Donetsk’s separatist region. Hanick “knowingly chose”Spread the word to Malofeyev “destabilizing messages”According to the department, they are trying to establish television networks in Russia, Bulgaria, and Greece.
In December 2014, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Malofeyev as a Specially Designated National for being one of the main sources of financing for Russians promoting separatism in Crimea. From around 2013 to 2017, Hanick was directly involved in Malofeyev’s financing. According to the department, he first traveled to Russia in 2013 to meet Malofeyev about plans for TV networks. He later moved to Russia after negotiating terms of employment with Malofeyev.
According to emails, Hanick worked and reported directly to Malofeyev after 2014. He continued to lead the Russian TV network’s board chairman, general advisor, and producer roles.