https://theriver953.com/huntley-couple-face-federal-charges-of-conspiracy-and-money-laundering/
The Department of Justice reports unsealing two indictments involving a Huntley couple accused of conspiracy and money laundering.
Dimitri Simes and his wife Anastasia are indicted for scheming to violate U.S. Sanctions.
The indictments accuse the couple of violating the sanctions against Russian broadcaster Channel One, and to launder funds obtained in the scheme.
The couple and others are accused of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by providing services to Channel One.
The services provided included serving as a presenter and producer of programming.
In exchange the couple received over one million dollars, a personal car and driver, a Moscow apartment and more.
This was all done after the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctioned Channel One.
Channel One was sanctioned for being owned or controlled by the Government of the Russian Federation.
The Simes’ Huntley home was raided last month by federal agents.
The couple remain at large and are believed to be in Russia.
If convicted, the couple face a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of several counts.
Those counts include a count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
One count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
In addition, Anastasia is facing separate counts of purchasing art and antiques for a sanctioned gallery and auction house.
Items were purchased and stored in the Huntly home to be shipped to Russia.
In return for that service Anastasia was reimbursed and received a service fee.
If convicted Anastasia could be sentenced to an additional 20 years on each count.
Those counts include conspiracy to violate and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
That and a count of committing international money laundering.