Former FBI counterintelligence chief Charles McGonigal received a 50-month sentence for secretly collaborating with Oleg Deripaska a Russian Oligarch.
FBI’s McGonigal Gets 50-Month Sentence for Working with Sanctioned Figure Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska
McGonigal, who retired in 2018, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions. McGonigal was sentenced to 50 months for working with a sanctioned Crimea takeover figure despite his lawyers’ pleadings.
McGonigal pleaded guilty and apologized to the judge. For working with Deripaska and misusing his influence, the prosecution demanded a five-year term. On February 26, McGonigal surrendered. He knew he was sanctioned and provided Deripaska with banned services as FBI’s New York field office Counterintelligence Division special agent.
McGonigal’s actions undermined the rule of law, prosecutors argued, like giving America’s enemy military-grade equipment. They called his attempt to smear rival oligarch Vladimir Potanin a serious crime needing harsh punishment.
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Defense Appeals for No Prison Time for FBI’s McGonigal Despite 22 Years of Service
Despite McGonigal’s 22 years in law enforcement, defense attorneys sought a non-custodial sentence for his “extraordinary service” to the nation. The breakdown of his job, reputation, and family peace was highlighted. McGonigal may be punished in Washington, D.C., for hiding an Albanian intelligence official’s money while working.
McGonigal’s defense attorneys admitted he provided unlawful services but said the information helped the U.S. A D.C. sentencing is scheduled early next year