Washington defined the private military company (PMC) the Wagner group as“A significant multinational criminal organization”.This is what the US Treasury Department said on Thursday when it unveiled a new set of sanctions against Russia
The US accused the company founded by Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin of engaging in “A continuous pattern of serious criminal activity”.Both in Ukraine, where the PMC is fighting alongside Russian soldiers, and in several African countries.
The Wagner group constitutes “A transcontinental threat”.It was written in the Treasury announcement, which added that the PMC“He was involved in combat operations with the backing of the Kremlin around the world”.
The Treasury referred specifically to Russia’s military effort in Ukraine, claiming that the group “It also intervened and destabilized African countries.”Such as the Central African Republic and Mali
Besides the Wagner group, the US also imposed sanctions on 11 other entities and six individuals it suspects of supporting the PMC’s actions.
The list includes technology companies based in Russia and China and an airline company based in the United Arab Emirates, as well as several CAR-based security companies allegedly linked to the Wagner Group.
A separate US sanctions list that was also included in the latest list of restrictions is directed against the Russian defense industry and includes a cargo airline, a drone manufacturer and several technology companies.
Earlier this week, Prigozhin told RT that his company“She did not commit any crimes”.
Wagner Group“You only eliminate enemies of peace and you don’t commit crimes.”said the businessman, blaming the USIn “training lawbreakers and terrorists all over the world so that there will be trouble everywhere – in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America.”
Prigozhin also said that the U.S. “afraid“From his company because it is”.kicked them”.Every time American intelligence officers tried to harm the PMC.