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1 1 (March 13, 2023)

handle is hein.crs/govekwb0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congre s&ona JR sedrch Ser/ce hnorming Ahej ilive debatem osine114 March 13, 2023 Russia's Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) Russia utilizes private military companies (PMCs) to project power globally. These outfits range in size and scope and act as an unofficial (albeit nominally illegal) tool of Russian foreign policy. PMCs also appear to pursue semi-independent objectives, including monetary gain and political advantage within Russia. The most prominent Russian PMC is the Wagner Group, headed by Kremlin-connected businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin. Instead of a single entity, the Wagner Group is more of an umbrella organization for multiple entities, operations, and actors overseen by Prighozin. During Russia's war in Ukraine since early 2022, the Wagner Group's role has increased and, in some areas, supplanted that of the Russian military. Beyond Ukraine, Wagner operates in multiple countries, particularly across Africa. Wagner's rise has resulted in increased competition from other Russian agencies and political elites. The U.S. Departments of State and the Treasury have designated the Wagner Group and Prigozhin for sanctions under multiple executive orders. In January 2023, the Biden Administration designated Wagner a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and simultaneously designated it under a sanctions program pertaining to the Central African Republic (CAR). Several bills in the 118th Congresses would seek to respond to the Wagner Group through sanctions, reporting requirements, and/or other measures. Considerations for Congress include the impact of such measures on Wagner's operations, the extent to which the executive branch is providing sufficient information to enable oversight, and potential unintended consequences, as discussed below. History According to media reports, Wagner evolved out of earlier Russian PMC outfits, including groups operating in Syria in 2013. During this time, Russia was experimenting with PMCs, including their role and relationship to the state. Russian military intelligence (GU) reportedly helped establish and oversee the Wagner group, including creating training centers near GU Spetsnaz (elite reconnaissance) bases. Wagner reportedly has had tense relations with the rest of the Russian Ministry of Defense, however (for additional background see CRS In Focus IF11650, Russian Private Military Companies (PMCs), by Andrew S. Bowen). Wagner first appeared as an entity in 2014, during Russia's seizure and occupation of Ukraine's Crimea region. Wagner was involved in Russia's invasion of eastern Ukraine through 2015, including carrying out alleged assassinations of local rebel leaders. During this time and into 2016, Wagner became involved in supporting Russia's intervention in Syria. In some cases, Wagner reportedly worked in coordination with Russian special forces; in others, it appeared to take a leading role coordinating Syrian government forces. Starting in the late 2010s, Wagner established operations in several African countries, providing security services and, in some cases, engaging in mining and other private sector activities. These countries include the Central African Republic, Libya, Mozambique, Mali, and Sudan. Public-Private Partnership The Wagner Group, and Russian PMCs more generally, are emblematic of Russian public-private partnerships defined by the delegation of limited governmental authority to private entities. The Russian government provides partners in these relationships opportunities and protection unavailable to other businesses or people. The government, in essence, loans authority to these private entities, provided they operate at the behest of and according to the government's preferences. The U.S. Treasury Department identifies the Wagner Group as a designated Russian Ministry of Defense proxy force, despite it being run by a private citizen. Such entities can pursue private or commercial interests, but they must fulfill government requests when called upon and ultimately remain under the direction of the Russian government. PMCs nominally remain illegal under Russian law. Despite this, the Wagner Group registered as a legal entity in Russia in December 2022, listing itself as a management consultant company. Additionally, Wagner opened an office building in St. Petersburg in November 2022. Wagner's ability to operate openly suggests high-level official support. Prigozhin Network and Organization Prighozin founded and reportedly funds and oversees the Wagner Group. He is under U.S. sanctions and indictment for numerous activities, including interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Prigozhin denied operating the Wagner Group (going so far as to sue journalists in the United Kingdom for claiming that he did) until September 2022, when he publicly admitted founding it. Prigozhin also reportedly oversees a broader network of entities beyond Wagner, comprising, for example, the Internet Research Agency, designated a Russian troll farm by the U.S. Treasury Department. Several of these entities and individuals connected to them also are subject to U.S. sanctions. Reports indicate Prighozin financially benefits from some of Wagner's operations, particularly in Africa, where

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