NEW YORK, NY – Tomas Ianchauskas, a regional boss within the Kremlin-linked Tsargrad Society, copped a plea today, admitting he lied to federal agents about his deep ties to the sanctioned organization. The admission comes as the Justice Department continues to crack down on those attempting to circumvent sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s war machine.
According to U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, Ianchauskas, a U.S. green card holder who primarily lives in Russia, deliberately misled the FBI during an interview in early 2022. He falsely claimed no involvement with the Tsargrad Society, or its earlier iteration, the Double Headed Eagle Society (DHES), for the preceding three years. Williams stated bluntly, “While enjoying the benefits of U.S. permanent residency, Tomas Ianchauskas served as a regional leader of the Tsargrad Society… On two separate occasions, Ianchauskas lied to the FBI.”
The Tsargrad Society, controlled by sanctioned Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev, is no mere cultural group. Designated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Society is part of Malofeyev’s “malign influence ecosystem,” advocating for the restoration of a Russian empire encompassing Ukraine, Belarus, and beyond. Malofeyev himself was previously indicted by Williams’ office for violating U.S. sanctions laws. The Society, formerly known as DHES, has been accused of espionage on behalf of the Russian government.
Court documents reveal Ianchauskas wasn’t just a passive member. From at least 2020 through 2022, he headed the Penza Regional Branch of DHES, which later became the Society. This placed him squarely in a position to facilitate funding and support for Malofeyev’s separatist activities in Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region – activities explicitly prohibited under U.S. sanctions. Ianchauskas’ lies were a calculated attempt to conceal his role and evade accountability.
The government alleges Ianchauskas’ involvement dates back to 2020, and he actively planned events and managed the organization’s operations within the Penza region. The plea brings Ianchauskas one step closer to sentencing, scheduled for July 11, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Coleen McMahon. While the specific terms of the sentence remain unknown, the charge carries potential prison time.
“Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to undermine critical sanctions put in place to challenge Russia’s aggression,” Williams vowed. This case serves as a warning: attempts to shield sanctioned entities, even from within the United States, will be met with federal prosecution. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges are not ruled out.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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