Thomas Joseph Barrack, Acting as Agent of Foreign Government, New York 2016

BROOKLYN, NY – Former advisor to a presidential candidate, Thomas Joseph Barrack, was charged with acting as an agent of a foreign government, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), between April 2016 and April 2018.

According to a seven-count indictment, Barrack, along with Matthew Grimes and Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi, conspired to advance the interests of the UAE in the United States by influencing the foreign policy positions of the campaign of a candidate in the 2016 United States Presidential Election and the incoming administration. They also sought to influence public opinion in favor of UAE interests.

The indictment charges Barrack with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements during a June 20, 2019 interview with federal law enforcement agents. Barrack and Grimes were arrested this morning in California and are scheduled to make their initial appearances today before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles. Alshahhi remains at large.

“As alleged, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to illegally advance and promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates in this country, in flagrant violation of their obligation to notify the Attorney General of their activities and in derogation of the American people’s right to know when a foreign government seeks to influence the policies of our government and our public opinion,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis.

The indictment alleges that the defendants capitalized on Barrack’s friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected President, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances.

The conduct alleged in the indictment is a betrayal of those officials in the United States, including the former President. Through this indictment, the government is putting everyone—regardless of their wealth or perceived political power—on notice that they will enforce the prohibition of this sort of undisclosed foreign influence.

Defendant: Thomas Joseph Barrack

Criminal Charges: Acting as an agent of a foreign government, obstruction of justice, and making multiple false statements.

City and State: Brooklyn, New York

Date: April 2016 – April 2018

Sentence: Barrack and Grimes are currently in custody, awaiting trial. Alshahhi remains at large.

This case is a reminder that the government will enforce the laws prohibiting undisclosed foreign influence and that individuals who engage in such conduct will face the consequences.