Former deputy sheriff in Palm Beach County, John Mark Dougan, has taken his deceptive tactics to a whole new level by becoming a key player in Russia’s disinformation operations against the West. From posing as a county commissioner to leaking confidential information online, Dougan has now built an extensive network of fake news websites that spread propaganda and false narratives.
Working from an apartment in Moscow, Dougan has created over 160 fake websites that mimic news outlets in the United States, Britain, and France. Using artificial intelligence tools, he has filled these sites with thousands of articles, some based on real news events, and others containing fabricated stories attributed to Russian intelligence agencies or President Vladimir V. Putin’s administration.
These fake news sites have been cited or referred to in news articles and social media posts nearly 8,000 times, reaching over 37 million people in 16 languages. The content on these sites includes baseless claims such as Ukraine’s president smuggling cocaine and the CIA working with Ukrainians to undermine Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign.
Despite denying his involvement in operating these sites, evidence points to Dougan’s role in their creation. His activities have drawn scrutiny from American and European government officials and researchers who have been tracking his work since August. With the upcoming elections in various countries, including the United States, Dougan’s network of fake news sites poses a significant threat to democratic systems and diverse audiences.
As the world braces for potential interference in the upcoming elections, the emergence of John Mark Dougan as a key player in Russia’s propaganda war highlights the dangers of disinformation and the need for vigilance in combating fake news.
