Trump administration disbands task force tracking Russian oligarch assets

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has disbanded a special team tasked with identifying and seizing sanctioned Russian oligarchs’ assets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump (L) looks on as Pam Bondi (R) delivers remarks after being sworn in as attorney general in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., USA, 05 February 2025.

EPA/FRANCIS CHUNG/POLITICO / POOL

The Department of Justice said the move reflects a shift in priorities.

The task force, known as Task Force KleptoCapture, was established in 2022 by then-President Joe Biden. It comprised prosecutors and legal experts dedicated to locating and freezing the global assets of Kremlin-linked oligarchs as a direct response to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Shortly after taking office, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi—nominated by Trump—issued a series of orders, including the immediate dissolution of the task force.

According to the Justice Department, prosecutors involved in tracing and confiscating Russian oligarchs’ wealth have been reassigned to combating drug cartels and international gangs.

(jh)

Source: IAR, Reuters