**US Ends Program Targeting Russian Oligarchs**
The US Justice Department is shutting down a program that targeted wealthy allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The program, called “Task Force KleptoCapture,” was launched in 2022 to pressure Russian oligarchs with financial penalties.
**New Priority: Combatting Drug Cartels and Gangs**
The program will be discontinued because the Trump administration‘s priority is now combating drug cartels and international gangs. This change was announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi on February 5.
**Ongoing Cases Will Continue**
Although the task force is being shut down, ongoing cases against Russian oligarchs will continue. The US had previously seized assets from individuals such as Konstantin Malofeyev and Suleyman Kerimov.
**Seized Assets and Sanctions**
The program had resulted in significant seizures of assets, including a $300 million superyacht owned by Suleyman Kerimov. A civil forfeiture complaint was also filed against Malofeyev to seize $5.4 million from him.
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