Former Top FBI Official Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Help Russian Oligarch

Former high-ranking FBI counterintelligence official pleads guilty to conspiracy, admits working for Russian oligarch Oleg Derepaska in violation of sanctions after leaving the agency.

Charles McGonigal (L), the former head of counterintelligence for the FBI’s New York office, and his attorney Seth Ducharme leave Manhattan Federal Court in New York City on Jan. 23, 2023. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

A former high-ranking FBI counterintelligence official pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy and money laundering as he admitted to working for a Russian oligarch he once investigated after leaving the agency. His actions violated the sanctions against Russia.

Expressing deep remorse, Charles McGonigal pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for the purpose of money laundering.