FBI Agent Sentenced for Violating Russia Sanctions
Former FBI Agent Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for Violating US Sanctions Against Russia and Conspiracy
Former FBI special agent Charles McGonigal has been sentenced to 50 months in prison for violating US sanctions against Russia and for conspiracy, according to a statement released by the FBI yesterday.
The statement detailed how McGonigal, who was the former Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI Counterintelligence Division in New York, violated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in connection with his 2021 agreement to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian Oligarch. In addition to his prison sentence, McGonigal was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine for conspiracy to violate IEEPA and money laundering. The 55-year-old from New York had pleaded guilty to the charges in August, as confirmed by court documents and statements made during the hearings.
The FBI stated that despite his retirement in 2018, McGonigal continued to provide information to Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska about US sanctions until 2021. New York US Attorney Damian Williams condemned McGonigal’s actions, stating, “Charles McGonigal violated his country’s trust in him by using his senior position at the FBI to prepare for his future in the business world. He endangered our national security by serving Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska, who served as Vladimir Putin’s agent after leaving public service. Today’s sentence is a reminder that anyone who violates US sanctions will pay a heavy penalty, especially those trusted by this country.”
In a separate incident, McGonigal was detained by the FBI in January on charges related to receiving $225,000 in cash from a person with business interests. Chief Public Prosecutor Matthew Graves commented on this incident, stating, “Hiding your connections and personal financial relationships with foreign nationals is a gateway to corruption.”
McGonigal’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with violating US sanctions and engaging in conspiracy, especially for individuals who hold positions of trust within the country.
