Canadian linked to Russian influence campaign refuses to answer MPs’ questions
The House of Commons is currently deliberating on whether Canadian influencer Lauren Chen should be held in contempt of Parliament for her refusal to answer questions during a recent parliamentary committee hearing. Chen, along with her husband Liam Donovan, has been accused of aiding a Russian propaganda campaign through their media outlet, Tenet Media.
The allegations stem from a U.S. Justice Department indictment that was unsealed in September. The indictment implicated two Russian nationals in setting up a conservative media outlet as a front for pro-Kremlin propaganda. While the media outlet was not explicitly named, it was evident from details in the indictment that it referred to Tenet Media, founded by Chen and Donovan in 2023.
During the parliamentary committee hearing, Chen, accompanied by her lawyer, cited her right to avoid self-incrimination due to being under criminal investigation in the U.S. She repeatedly declined to answer questions, frustrating MPs from all political parties. Consequently, the committee unanimously agreed that Chen’s actions could constitute a breach of privilege and decided to refer the matter to the House of Commons.
According to the House of Commons rules of procedure and practice, a breach of privilege encompasses any disregard or attack on the rights, powers, and immunities of the House. If the House concurs, Chen may be summoned to appear before the bar of the House of Commons to receive a public rebuke from the Speaker.
The U.S. indictment alleges that the two Russian individuals funneled nearly $10 million into a company, suspected to be Tenet, as part of a disinformation campaign. The indictment suggests that the funds were used to covertly promote the Kremlin’s agenda through conservative commentators associated with Tenet Media. These commentators were allegedly unaware of Russia’s involvement and believed their work was funded by a fictional investor named “Eduard Grigoriann.”
Chen and Donovan have not faced charges in connection with the indictment. However, the document references another Canadian company owned by the couple, Roaming Millennial Inc., which was used as a vehicle to receive payments from RT. Research conducted by CBC News identified Roaming Millennial Inc. as a federally registered corporation linked to Chen and Donovan, with a previous address in Montreal.
The unfolding events involving Chen, Donovan, and Tenet Media underscore the complexities of foreign influence operations and the implications for individuals and entities involved in such activities. The House of Commons’ consideration of holding Chen in contempt reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the need to uphold parliamentary integrity and accountability.
