John Mark DOUGAN

John Dougan is a former Florida deputy sheriff who fled to Russia in 2016. He is publicly accused of participating in pro-Kremlin digital information operations from Moscow by operating the CopyCop network of fake news websites and supporting Storm-1516 activities. The inauthentic websites mimic legitimate media outlets and spread fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfake content. Reports from Western authorities and independent investigative sources link Dougan’s activities to Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) and the Moscow-based think tank the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, suggesting he receives Russian support and direction to influence elections, discredit political figures and manipulate public discourse in Western countries.

1976-12-15

Wilmington, USA

Male

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202502568

Propaganda

John Dougan is a former Florida deputy sheriff who fled to Russia in 2016. He is publicly accused of participating in pro-Kremlin digital information operations from Moscow by operating the CopyCop network of fake news websites and supporting Storm-1516 activities. The inauthentic websites mimic legitimate media outlets and spread fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfake content. Reports from Western authorities and independent investigative sources link Dougan's activities to Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) and the Moscow-based think tank the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, suggesting he receives Russian support and direction to influence elections, discredit political figures and manipulate public discourse in Western countries. Therefore, John Dougan is responsible for, implementing, supporting or benefitting from actions or policies attributable to the Government of the Russian Federation which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the Union and in third countries by planning, directing, engaging in, directly or indirectly, supporting or otherwise facilitating the use of information manipulation and interference. Function: Propaganda

EU

2025/2568 (OJ L202502568)

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202502568

2025-12-15

EU

Restrictive measures in view of Russia's destabilising activities

EU country specific

Russia

Asset freeze and prohibition to make funds available, Restrictions on admission

- All assets of the listed persons and entities should be frozen. It is also prohibited to make any funds or assets directly or indirectly available to them. - Member States shall enforce travel restrictions on persons listed in the Annex of Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643.

In several of its Conclusions in 2022 and 2023 the Council strongly condemned Russian hybrid attacks threatening democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the Union, its Member States and its partners, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In view of Russia’s continued hybrid campaign operations on European soil intended to harm, weaken and divide the Member States and its neighbourhood, on 8 October 2024, the Council established a new framework of targeted sanctions against Russia-driven persons and entities engaged in destabilising activities. the new sanctions framework covers activities such as, sabotage, foreign information manipulation, electoral interference, disinformation, malicious cyber activities and the instrumentalization of migrants by third countries. These restrictive measures consist of a travel ban to the EU for designated individuals and an asset freeze applying to both designated individuals and entities. Additionally, EU persons and entities are prohibited from making funds and economic resources available to those listed, either directly or indirectly. Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including for the delivery of humanitarian aid.