Russia’s top investigative body, the Investigative Committee, has announced the initiation of a criminal probe targeting senior officials from the United States and NATO member countries. The investigation centers around suspicions of “financing terrorism” and alleges the involvement of Western organizations in funding activities aimed at destabilizing Russia.
The Investigative Committee disclosed that it had uncovered evidence suggesting that funds from commercial entities were utilized to orchestrate attacks on prominent political and public figures within and outside Russia, as well as to inflict economic harm on the country. While specific terrorist incidents were not mentioned, the announcement closely follows accusations from Russian authorities implicating Ukraine and the West in the deadly Crocus City Hall attack that occurred last month.
Among the entities named in the probe is the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings, where Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, served as a board member from 2014 to 2019. Hunter Biden’s association with Burisma has long been a focal point for Republican allegations of corruption within the Biden family, leading to an impeachment inquiry in the U.S. Congress. However, Hunter Biden has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and suspicions against the president’s family were further clouded by the arrest of a former FBI informant in February for fabricating accusations.
The Investigative Committee’s investigation is reportedly scrutinizing the flow of millions of U.S. dollars and the involvement of specific individuals from government offices and commercial organizations in Western countries. Its aim is to establish connections between the perpetrators of terrorist acts and their foreign handlers, sponsors, and organizations. However, no names of the U.S. and NATO officials under investigation have been disclosed.
Both Ukraine and Western nations have vehemently denied any involvement in the Crocus City Hall massacre, which claimed the lives of at least 145 people. They accuse Russia of exploiting the tragedy for propaganda purposes. This latest development deepens the rift between Russia and the West, further straining diplomatic relations amid heightened tensions.