Former FBI Special Agent Charles McGonigal is expected to plead guilty next week to conspiring with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, according to court filings.
McGonigal, who previously served as the head of counterintelligence in the FBI's New York field office, was arrested earlier this year and charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and conspiring to commit money laundering.
The charges against McGonigal stem from his alleged involvement in attempting to have Deripaska's sanctions removed. As part of his role at the FBI, McGonigal supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that McGonigal, along with court interpreter Sergey Shestakov, violated U.S. sanctions by providing services to Deripaska.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "As alleged, Charles McGonigal, a former high-level FBI official, and Sergey Shestakov, a Court interpreter, violated U.S. sanctions by agreeing to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch. They both previously worked with Deripaska to attempt to have his sanctions removed, and, as public servants, they should have known better."
The DOJ further alleges that McGonigal and Shestakov fraudulently used a U.S. entity to conceal their activities, knowing that their actions violated U.S. sanctions. McGonigal had reportedly received classified information indicating that Deripaska would be added to the list of sanctioned Russian oligarchs.
McGonigal is expected to enter a guilty plea in Manhattan federal court next week. This development marks a significant development in the case, as McGonigal is one of the highest-ranking FBI officials ever to face criminal charges. His plea could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing investigation into Russian interference and potential collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election.
ABC News reported that McGonigal's plea proceeding is scheduled for August 5, according to a judge's order. The court filing stated, "The Court has been informed that Defendant Charles McGonigal may wish to enter a change of plea." McGonigal's charges include attempting to remove Deripaska from the sanctions list and allegedly investigating a rival Russian oligarch in exchange for concealed payments from Deripaska.
The case against McGonigal highlights the importance of enforcing U.S. sanctions against individuals who pose a threat to the United States and its allies. The DOJ emphasized that there are no exceptions, even for former FBI officials like McGonigal. The FBI remains committed to aggressively pursuing those who violate U.S. sanctions enacted in response to Russian belligerence in Ukraine.
As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the potential implications for U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. McGonigal's guilty plea could provide valuable insights into the extent of Russian influence and the actions of high-ranking officials within the FBI.
Login