The person at the center of this case
United States Federal Government / Electoral System
Cold Case · Open - Wanted by FBI
8 years waiting · since 2018
VADIM VLADIMIROVICH PODKOPAEV
Justice for United States Federal Government / Electoral System — the trail went cold in 2018, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Podkopaev's current location and how is he evading international law enforcement?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific social media accounts and content did Podkopaev create or manage for the IRA?
📞
contact
Lead #3What connections does Podkopaev maintain with other IRA operatives and Russian intelligence agencies?
Vadim Vladimirovich Podkopaev, a Russian analyst for the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency, is wanted by the FBI for his role in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by interfering with federal agencies and the 2016 Presidential Election through coordinated social media operations. From June 2014 to February 2018, Podkopaev allegedly conducted research and created content on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter designed to manipulate American voters and undermine U.S. political processes. He remains at large with ties to Russia and Ukraine, and the FBI is seeking information on his whereabouts.
Case
#1031
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.
💡
clue
Lead #4How did Podkopaev's work coordinate with other foreign interference efforts during the 2016 election?
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: Vadim Vladimirovich Podkopaev 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 June of 2014 to February 16, 2018.
Podkopaev served as an analyst while working for the St. Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency’s (IRA) US-focused contingent which allegedly conducted social media operations on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Podkopaev performed US-focused research and drafted social media content in support of the IRA’s alleged efforts to reach significant numbers of Americans for the purposes of interfering with the United States political system, including the 2016 Presidential Election. On February 16, 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Vadim Vladimirovich Podkopaev in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia after he was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Remarks: Podkopaev speaks Russian, English, and French. He has ties to Russia and Ukraine.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2014-06-01
IRA social media operations begin
Podkopaev's alleged involvement in coordinated social media operations begins in June 2014
⏰
2016-11-08
2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Election that was allegedly targeted by IRA operations
🕵️
2018-02-16
Federal arrest warrant issued
Warrant issued in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for conspiracy to defraud the United States
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:June 1, 2014
Last Updated:September 9, 2026
Up to $75,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:June 1, 2014
Last Updated:September 9, 2026
Up to $75,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case