The person at the center of this case
United States Federal Government and Electoral System
Cold Case · Open
8 years waiting · since 2018
MIKHAIL IVANOVICH BYSTROV
Justice for United States Federal Government and Electoral System — the trail went cold in 2018, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Where is Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov currently located and what is his current status in Russia?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific stolen U.S. identities were used by the Internet Research Agency and how were they obtained?
💡
clue
Lead #3Which American computer server companies unknowingly provided infrastructure for the IRA's operations?
Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov, a Russian national and General Director of the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency, is wanted by the FBI for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to defraud the United States through political interference operations from 2014 to February 2018. The scheme involved creating hundreds of fictitious online personas, purchasing American server space, and using stolen U.S. identities to interfere with the American political system, including the 2016 Presidential Election. Bystrov remains at large with suspected ties to Russia, and a $75,000 reward is offered for information leading to his capture.
Case
#550
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States District Court for the District of Columbia
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👤
person
Lead #4Who were the key operatives and associates working under Bystrov at the Internet Research Agency?
📞
contact
Lead #5What financial records and communication channels connected Bystrov to the IRA's fraudulent activities?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States Caution: Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by impairing, obstructing, and defeating the lawful functions of the Federal Election Commission, the United States Department of Justice, and the United States Department of State. This occurred in Washington, D.C., from early 2014 to February 16, 2018.
Bystrov operated as General Director of the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency (IRA), an organization allegedly engaged in political and electoral interference operations in the United States which included the purchase of American computer server space, the creation of hundreds of fictitious online personas, and the use of stolen identities of persons from the United States.
These actions were allegedly taken to reach significant numbers of Americans for the purposes of interfering with the United States political system, including the 2016 Presidential Election. Bystrov also served as the head of various companies used by the IRA to mask its activities.
On February 16, 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia after he was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Remarks: Bystrov speaks Russian and has ties to Russia.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2014
Conspiracy Period Begins
Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov begins alleged conspiracy to defraud the United States through the Internet Research Agency
📋
2016
2016 Presidential Election Interference
IRA operations allegedly target the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election through fictitious online personas and stolen identities
👤
2018-02-16
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
Federal arrest warrant issued for Mikhail Ivanovich Bystrov in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2014
Last Updated:June 16, 2026
Up to $75,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2014
Last Updated:June 16, 2026
Up to $75,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case