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Maria Valeryevna Butina
Convicted Russian Agent
Russian Spy Who Infiltrated NRA and GOP
Overview
Maria Butina is a Russian national who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an unregistered foreign agent. She infiltrated the NRA and Republican political circles to advance Russian interests. She worked with Russian official Alexander Torshin and American Paul Erickson.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Pleaded guilty to acting as Russian agent
Infiltrated NRA and Republican circles
Built relationships with GOP officials
Channeled Russian money through NRA (alleged)
Deported to Russia, now a lawmaker there
Related Investigations (4)
Criminal Charges & Violations
1 documented violations
18 U.S.C. § 371Conspiracy to act as unregistered foreign agent(Espionage)
Known Associates & Connections
Alexander Torshin
Russian handler/supervisor
Paul Erickson
American boyfriend, convicted felon
Wayne LaPierre
NRA CEO she targeted
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- November 10, 1988
- Birthplace
- Barnaul, Russia
Education
- •American University (M.A. International Relations)
- •Altai State University
Key Timeline
2015
Asks Trump question at event
2016
Attends NRA convention, GOP events
2016
Builds relationships with Republicans
2018
July: Arrested
2018
December: Pleads guilty
2019
April: Sentenced to 18 months
2019
October: Deported to Russia
2021
Elected to Russian parliament