The U.S. Justice Department, under President Biden, is discontinuing Task Force KleptoCapture, an initiative established following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine to enforce sanctions against Kremlin-linked oligarchs. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo redirecting resources towards combating drug cartels and international gangs, stating a shift in focus from targeting oligarchs.
This policy requires a fundamental change in mindset and approach, stated Bondi. The move is part of a broader strategy to freeze Russia out of global markets and uphold extensive sanctions imposed on Moscow due to the conflict in Ukraine.
While investigations by the task force are expected to continue, the centralized approach at the Justice Department headquarters will cease. The reassignment of prosecutors to their former roles will be effective for at least 90 days and may become permanent.
The new focus on drug cartels follows previous efforts against terrorism and illegal immigration under the Trump administration. Additionally, the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act will now prioritize bribery cases related to cartels, rather than general cases involving multinational corporations.