In discussions at the U.S. Congress, strategies to combat Vladimir Putin's corrupt regime were explored, with a focus on involving Russian journalists and civil society representatives. Senators singled out the Anti-Corruption Foundation as the key informant on abuses in Russia. This matter was deliberated during sessions of the U.S. Committee on Implementing Anti-Corruption Strategy.
Senator Ben Cardin, opening the hearings, emphasized that corruption undermines the foundation of the rule of law, amplifies the authority of dictators, and poses a global threat to people's safety. As an illustration, he referenced Putin's palace, which was brought to light by Alexei Navalny.
“From Putin’s 1.3 billion dollar Russian palace with a wine cave, an indoor hockey rink, and golden toilet brushes — that’s pretty good for a career public servant — this has been documented by Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation,” Cardin said.
At the meeting, representatives introduced a statement from the Anti-Corruption Foundation, suggesting increased engagement by U.S. government agencies with Russian journalists and civil society groups engaged in anti-corruption efforts. The Foundation is prepared to share its knowledge and expertise for this purpose. Ben Cardin praised our foundation as the foremost source of information on corruption in Putin's Russia and committed to using this information actively.
Senator Jim Risch highlighted the role of corruption as a critical instrument in Russia and China's detrimental international influence. He pointed out that the Putin regime utilizes corruption to circumvent sanctions and maintain its military capabilities.
“With Russia, we must work with groups like Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation to map, expose, and sanction those who are stealing from the Russian people and working to undermine Ukraine. We must also work more closely with Russia’s neighbors to help them unwind the corrupt networks that both smuggle in sanctioned goods and undermine local governance,” Jim Risch said.