Who is the Television Presenter Dimitri Simes? Unsealed Indictments Reveal Sanctions Violations
Dimitri Simes, a 76-year-old television presenter, and his wife, Anastasia Simes, 55, have been indicted on charges related to violating U.S. sanctions against Russia. The Justice Department unsealed two indictments detailing their alleged involvement in schemes benefiting sanctioned Russian entities and individuals. This article explores the accusations against Dimitri Simes, focusing on his role as a television presenter for the sanctioned Russian broadcaster, Channel One Russia.
Dimitri Simes: A Presenter for Sanctioned Channel One Russia
The first indictment alleges that Dimitri and Anastasia Simes conspired to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by providing services to Channel One Russia. Specifically, Dimitri Simes is accused of working as a presenter and producer for the state-owned television station after it was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in May 2022.
Channel One Russia was sanctioned for its ties to the Russian government. Despite these sanctions, Dimitri Simes allegedly continued to work for the broadcaster, receiving substantial compensation including over $1 million, a personal car and driver, a Moscow apartment stipend, and a team of 10 employees.
The indictment further accuses the couple of money laundering, alleging they attempted to conceal the proceeds of their IEEPA violations. These alleged financial transactions form a key part of the case against Dimitri and Anastasia Simes.
Additional Allegations Against Anastasia Simes
The second indictment focuses solely on Anastasia Simes, accusing her of participating in a separate scheme to violate U.S. sanctions for the benefit of sanctioned Russian oligarch Aleksandr Yevgenyevich Udodov. She allegedly purchased art and antiques for Udodov from U.S. and European galleries and auction houses, shipping them to her Virginia residence for eventual transfer to Russia. In return, she received reimbursement and a service fee.
This second scheme allegedly also involved money laundering to conceal the origins of the funds used in the transactions.
Current Status and Potential Penalties
Both Dimitri and Anastasia Simes are currently at large and believed to be in Russia. Each faces charges of conspiracy to violate the IEEPA, violating the IEEPA, and conspiracy to commit international money laundering. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. These indictments represent a significant effort by the U.S. government to enforce sanctions related to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The case highlights the potential consequences for individuals, including television presenters like Dimitri Simes, who engage in activities that violate U.S. sanctions.
The ongoing investigation, coordinated by the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, underscores the commitment to holding individuals accountable for undermining sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions. The case against Dimitri and Anastasia Simes will continue to develop as authorities pursue their apprehension and prosecution.
