Pro-Trump influencer AlphaFox78 says Russian agent paid him to post fake video of Haitian immigrants voting
An American social media influencer has come forward to reveal that he was paid by a pro-Kremlin propagandist to post a fake video of Haitian immigrants claiming to vote in the US presidential election. The influencer, who goes by the handle @AlphaFox78 on X, resides in Massachusetts and has a history of posting right-wing memes in support of former President Donald Trump. He admitted to CNN that he posted the now-debunked video without fact-checking its claims.
The video purportedly showed a Haitian immigrant stating he would vote multiple times in Georgia for Vice President Kamala Harris. However, the Georgia Secretary of State confirmed that the video was entirely fabricated, from the actors to the ID cards, and was produced by Russian influence actors. The influencer revealed that he was paid $100 by Simeon Boikov, a registered Russian agent in Australia, to share the video on social media.
Boikov, who works for Russian state media and is known for spreading pro-Kremlin disinformation, has a history of involvement in Russia’s disinformation campaigns. The influencer disclosed that he received multiple payments from Boikov for posting memes and videos on his account, not realizing the extent of the propaganda he was promoting.
Experts warn that Russia’s disinformation network is actively targeting American social media influencers to amplify their false narratives. Darren Linvill, a disinformation expert, explained that influencers are being used to leverage their large followings and spread misleading information. The FBI and Russian and Australian Foreign Ministries did not comment on the situation when approached by CNN.
After speaking with CNN, AlphaFox removed the fake video and expressed regret for inadvertently spreading Russian disinformation. He emphasized the importance of being vigilant when sharing content online and urged others to exercise caution. Despite efforts to debunk the video, various versions continue to circulate on social media platforms, prompting election officials like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to address the issue.
As Americans prepare for the 2024 election, it is crucial to remain aware of foreign influence efforts and actively combat disinformation. The role of social media influencers in disseminating false narratives highlights the need for increased scrutiny and critical thinking when consuming online content. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can help protect the integrity of the democratic process and prevent the spread of misinformation.
