In a historic move, the European Union sanctioned John Mark Dougan, an American fugitive residing in Russia, along with 11 others for “information manipulation and interference.” Announced on December 15, 2025, the sanctions target Dougan’s involvement in pro-Kremlin digital operations, notably managing the CopyCop network, which spreads fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfakes through inauthentic websites mimicking legitimate media. A former deputy sheriff in Florida, Dougan fled the U.S. in 2016 after facing multiple charges and was granted asylum in Russia. He is recognized in disinformation circles, having been named “Disinformer of the Year” in 2024 by NewsGuard.
The sanctions will freeze assets and restrict financial transactions for the individuals involved, while Dougan downplayed their impact, claiming he only exposes “lies and corruption.” The CopyCop network has ties to several disinformation campaigns, including one known as Storm-1516, which seeks to undermine U.S. elections and support for Ukraine. While some narratives linked to Dougan have spread false claims regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, experts suggest his role in the broader Storm-1516 campaign is relatively minor. The UK has also begun sanctioning those involved in similar disinformation efforts, highlighting an increasing focus on the threat of foreign propaganda.
