The Biden Administration's decision to categorize Russia's mercenary Wagner Group a "transnational criminal organization" is timely and should send a signal to the Kremlin about their use of this thug army, which has been involved in war crimes in Ukraine. The Group is known for recruiting violent criminals from prisons to fill out its ranks, as it sends its mercenary forces around the globe in service to despots:
"The designation will come alongside additional U.S. sanctions against Wagner and its support network, spanning multiple continents, said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council. The Treasury Department intends to formalize the penalties next week.
Speaking at a White House news briefing, Kirby said the designation would open up 'additional avenues' for the United States to go after Wagner’s business activities around the world, and give other nations and institutions the firepower to follow suit.
'These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity,' Kirby said. He noted the Russian mercenary group had carried out 'atrocities and human rights abuses in Ukraine, and of course elsewhere around the world.'" (our emphasis)
Wagner Group leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin, himself an ex-convict, is known as "Putin's chef" having secured large catering contracts with the Kremlin under Putin. Prigozhin has been at odds with the Russian military over tactics and equipment as they jockey for power and Putin's approval.
(photo: Wagner Group headquarters in St. Petersburg, Russia. Olga Maltseva / AFP / Getty)
