John Mark Dougan, an American former law enforcement officer living in Moscow, has been connected to more than 150 fake local news websites pushing Russian propaganda to U.S. audiences. These websites, with names like DC Weekly and New York News Daily, have spread false stories related to the war in Ukraine and experts warn they could be used to disseminate disinformation about the 2024 election. Dougan has denied involvement with these websites, but researchers and cybersecurity companies have linked him to the network. He is part of a small group of Western expats who have become purveyors of English-language propaganda for Russia.
Academic research from Clemson University has linked Dougan to the network of fake news websites, which host articles about crime, politics, and sports. Most of the content seems to be generated with artificial intelligence tools and attributed to non-existing journalists. The websites, which exhibit telltale signs of Dougan’s signature, disparage the U.S., praise Russia, and spread disinformation on various topics. Recent fake articles have focused on false claims related to the FBI wiretapping former President Donald Trump’s office and the CIA backing a Ukrainian plot against Trump. There is a shift in focus towards the U.S. election, according to researchers.
The fake news stories published on these websites have gained traction, including articles that falsely claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was misusing foreign aid funds. These rumors rely on videos posted to YouTube by newly created accounts and are subsequently spread by Russian influencers and bot networks. Politicians like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Sen. JD Vance have promoted these fake news stories. The use of sophisticated AI technology by the network makes the narratives seem credible, and there is concern about the dissemination of disinformation at scale.
It is unclear what specific support Dougan receives from Russia, with some reports suggesting a possible connection to the Russian government. Dougan has a history of creating fake websites focused on corruption and fabricated content. After fleeing to Russia in 2016 to evade criminal charges related to doxxing efforts, he continued operating websites hosting made-up articles. He was banned from YouTube last year, with allegations of spreading false narratives related to a Russian mission in Ukraine. This led to a harassment campaign against a NewsGuard co-CEO who exposed his pro-Russian propaganda.
Dougan’s involvement in spreading disinformation through fake news websites and social media channels underscores the growing threat of online misinformation campaigns. His use of AI to generate content and the circulation of false narratives highlight the need for vigilance in combating propaganda and fake news. The impact of such operations on public opinion, political discourse, and international relations underscores the importance of media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking in consuming information from online sources. Efforts to expose and counter disinformation remain crucial in preserving the integrity of information ecosystems and safeguarding democratic processes.
