Listen to the article
Russian National Arrested in Argentina as Suspected Leader of Disinformation Network
Argentine authorities have detained 26-year-old Russian national Dmitry Novikov in a suburb of Buenos Aires on suspicion of leading a Russian disinformation operation in Latin America. The arrest, announced by Argentina’s State Intelligence Secretariat, came after Novikov allegedly provided false information when entering the country.
National Security Minister Alexandra Monteoliva stated that while Novikov entered Argentina under the guise of being a tourist, his actual intent was “to engage in destabilization and undermine our institutions.” Officials identified him as the leader of a Russian disinformation network operating across the region.
This marks Novikov’s second detention in recent months. In September, he was detained in the Dominican Republic—where he had reportedly been living for several years—and subsequently deported for involvement in disinformation activities linked to interference in multiple countries’ affairs.
Born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Novikov received his passports in the Moscow region—one in Moscow in 2019 and another in Moscow Oblast in 2022. According to El Periodico, over the past two years, he has traveled extensively throughout Latin America, visiting Chile, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, and Brazil. His most recent entry into Argentina occurred on April 12, arriving on a flight from Istanbul.
Argentine intelligence claims Novikov headed a structure known as “Kompaniya” (La Compañía), allegedly controlled by Russian special services. This organization has reportedly been disseminating disinformation throughout Latin America for years, including campaigns targeting Argentina’s current president, Javier Milei.
According to findings from the investigative journalism collective Forbidden Stories, Kompaniya was originally established by the late Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin before coming under direct control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). The network previously concentrated its operations in Africa before expanding into Latin America—particularly Argentina—in 2024.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about Russian influence operations in Latin America, a region where Moscow has been working to expand its geopolitical footprint amid tensions with Western nations. Argentina, with its significant economic ties to both the United States and China, represents a strategically important target for Russian influence campaigns.
This incident is not isolated. Last summer, Argentine authorities uncovered another Russian spy network whose alleged mission was to “form a group of individuals to conduct disinformation campaigns and operations against the Argentine state.” Officials linked that operation to an organization also called “Kompaniya,” which they claimed was financed by the Kremlin and connected to the “Lakhta” project—described as an umbrella organization created by Prigozhin to spread Russian influence abroad through social media manipulation.
The Lakhta project has been accused of interference in electoral campaigns worldwide, including alleged operations in the United States and European countries. These organizations typically employ sophisticated tactics including the creation of fake news sites, automated social media accounts, and targeted influence campaigns designed to exploit political and social divisions.
Following a review of his appeal, Novikov may be deported to Russia, according to El Periodico. The case comes amid heightened global awareness of foreign influence operations and their potential impact on democratic institutions and processes.
The Argentine government has not yet released details about specific disinformation campaigns Novikov is alleged to have directed, nor has the Russian government publicly responded to the allegations against its citizen.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
I’m curious to know more about the specific tactics and reach of this Russian disinformation network in Latin America. Were there any insights into the scale and impact of their operations?
That’s a good question. The article mentions the network was operating across the region, so it would be interesting to get more details on the geographic scope and various targets of their disinformation efforts.
This case serves as another reminder of the need for robust digital security and online safety measures, both for government institutions and the general public. Proactive steps to identify and mitigate foreign influence operations should be a top priority.
This is a concerning case of Russian disinformation efforts expanding into Latin America. It’s important for countries to remain vigilant and take action against such malicious activities aimed at undermining democratic institutions.
Agreed. Arresting the suspected leader of this network is a good first step, but ongoing monitoring and disruption of these activities will be crucial.
The arrest of this Russian intelligence operative in Argentina is a welcome development, but it highlights the ongoing challenges in combating cross-border disinformation networks. Closer international cooperation will be crucial to disrupting these efforts.
You make a good point. Tackling this issue will require a coordinated, multinational response to track, expose and disrupt disinformation campaigns that span national borders.
It’s troubling to see Russia continuing to meddle in the affairs of other countries through the use of disinformation campaigns. Robust media literacy and fact-checking efforts will be key to countering these threats to democratic transparency.
Absolutely. Building public awareness and resilience against foreign manipulation is vital, as these tactics can have corrosive effects on social cohesion and political stability.