Fact Check: "Russian disinformation group La Compañía linked to Kremlin uncovered in Argentina"
What We Know
Recent investigations have revealed that Argentina's National Intelligence Service (SIDE) uncovered a group of Russian nationals, referred to as "La Compañía," who were allegedly establishing a local influence network to advance Moscow's interests. This group is reported to have ties to the Kremlin's geopolitical agenda, engaging in disinformation and public opinion manipulation within Argentina (source-3, source-5).
The Russian government is financing a broader disinformation campaign across Latin America, leveraging local media contacts to disseminate pro-Kremlin narratives and undermine support for Ukraine, as well as to propagate anti-U.S. sentiments (source-1). The campaign involves various influence-for-hire firms, including the Social Design Agency (SDA) and Structura, which are known for their capabilities in spreading disinformation (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that "La Compañía" is linked to the Kremlin and is involved in disinformation activities in Argentina is supported by multiple credible sources. The Argentine National Intelligence Service's findings indicate that this group is not only spreading disinformation but is also attempting to manipulate public opinion and interfere in domestic affairs (source-3, source-5).
The connection to the Kremlin is further substantiated by the overarching disinformation campaign being orchestrated by Russian state actors across Latin America, which aims to launder propaganda through local media (source-1). The involvement of individuals with ties to the late oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin and the Lakhta Project, known for global disinformation efforts, adds another layer of credibility to the claim (source-3).
While the sources reporting on this issue vary in their focus—some emphasizing the intelligence operations and others the broader disinformation campaign—they consistently point to a coordinated effort by Russian nationals to influence Argentine politics in favor of Moscow's interests.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence clearly supports the claim that a Russian disinformation group known as "La Compañía" has been uncovered in Argentina, with links to the Kremlin and involvement in spreading disinformation. The findings from Argentina's intelligence services, combined with the context of Russia's broader disinformation strategies in Latin America, substantiate this claim.
Sources
- The Kremlin's Efforts to Covertly Spread Disinformation in Latin America
- Argentina Uncovers Russian Spies Allegedly Spreading Disinformation
- Argentina exposed a Russian spy network — they wanted to destabilize the country
- Argentina says it uncovered Russian spy network linked to disinformation campaigns
