The web of disinformation stretching from Russia has cast its dark shadow over the U.S. presidential election, and at the heart of the campaign lies the elusive Storm-1516 network. The operation has emerged as a significant threat, leveraging tactics honed during the Kremlin’s interference in the 2016 elections.
Research conducted by Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub, in collaboration with CNN, has unveiled the intricate connections between Storm-1516 and the Russian Foundation to Battle Injustice (R-FBI), a group established by the late Russian entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin. Initially founded as a means to combat perceived injustices, R-FBI has transformed into a central player in a multifaceted disinformation campaign that now focuses on the 2024 election. Under the leadership of Mira Terada—who has her own controversial history—the organization presents itself as a “human rights” entity, while it propagates narratives that align with Kremlin interests.
It has fabricated numerous narratives targeting key political figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Falsehoods range from absurd claims about Harris shooting a black rhino in Zambia to unfounded allegations of sexual misconduct against Walz.
The methodology employed by this network reflects a disturbing continuity with past Russian disinformation strategies. Automated analysis techniques have detected manipulated content, and many videos purporting to be real events are staged, featuring actors rather than genuine witnesses.
U.S. officials have responded to this growing threat by implementing sanctions and legal measures against individuals involved in disseminating disinformation. Yet, as the Biden administration prepares to combat these tactics, experts like Colin Gerard warn that the real aim of these operations may not necessarily be to sway election outcomes but rather to demonstrate Russia’s capacity to disrupt and destabilize.
