Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Scott Ritter Investigated by FBI Over FARA Breaches

"Scott Ritter is thoroughly compromised and he's having his house - all his um belongings it seems or relevant belongings - investigated by the FBI and I think that's long overdue and that's good news as far as I'm concerned for what is good and proper uh..."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:17⏩

Jonathan welcomes viewers to an ATP Geopolitics breaking news update on Scott Ritter, noting its significance and that it's slightly delayed.

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Who is Scott Ritter?

🎦 00:17-01:14⏩

Jonathan outlines Scott Ritter's background: an American author, former US Marine Corps intelligence officer, ex-UN weapons inspector in Iraq (1991-1998), and convicted child sex offender. He served as a military analyst during Operation Desert Storm. Jonathan highlights Ritter's pro-Russian stance, alleging he receives financial or material benefits from Russia, making him a "paid-up Russian shill." Jonathan mentions viewers suggesting he should listen to Ritter, Douglas MacGregor, or Jackson Hinkle, all accused of being Russian propagandists. Jonathan dismisses them based on their pro-Kremlin bias and empirically flawed claims. Jonathan refers to Ritter's Wikipedia page for further information.

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Scott Ritter's passport seized

🎦 01:14-02:58⏩

Jonathan discusses how, in June, US authorities confiscated Ritter's passport, barring him from traveling to Russia for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Ritter claims he wasn't presented with a warrant or given a receipt for his passport. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, defended Ritter, stating that restricting travel of ex-intelligence officers is standard practice, suggesting Ritter's potential removal from the flight was part of a campaign to prevent US citizens from engaging with Russia. Jonathan interprets Peskov's defense as evidence of Ritter's significance to the Kremlin.

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Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)

🎦 02:58-04:55⏩

Jonathan explains that Ritter's situation relates to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), similar to Russia's Foreign Agents Act but emphasizing transparency. FARA mandates individuals or entities (foreign agents) engaged in US lobbying or advocacy on behalf of foreign governments, organizations, or individuals (foreign principles) to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ). They must disclose their relationships, activities, and financial compensation. Jonathan suspects Ritter hasn't complied, reinforcing the belief that Ritter is motivated by Russian incentives to influence American public opinion. He explains that FARA aims to ensure transparency regarding foreign influence on US public opinion, policies, and laws. The DOJ is obligated to make such information public. Enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda, FARA's focus has shifted from criminal prosecution to civil penalties and voluntary compliance since 1966. Jonathan emphasizes the need for transparency, especially if someone, like Ritter, is potentially advocating for the Kremlin and receiving payment, as it influences American public opinion.

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FBI raids Ritter's home

🎦 04:55-08:04⏩

Jonathan reports that the FBI raided Scott Ritter's house yesterday. He cites various sources confirming the raid, including News Channel 13, Michael Weiss, and CBS 6 News, with footage showing FBI agents removing numerous boxes from Ritter's residence. The FBI stated the search was part of an ongoing federal investigation without specifying its nature. Ritter confirms the search warrant relates to alleged violations of FARA, which he denies, claiming he has nothing to hide. Jonathan mentions Ritter's 2011 conviction for online sexting in Pennsylvania, where he was caught by an undercover officer posing as a minor. He also notes Ritter's January 2023 statement at a forum in Bethlehem, where Ritter expressed his belief that Russia would win the war in Ukraine and criticized US support for Ukraine. Ritter claims he's being targeted for his efforts to improve US-Russia relations. He remains defiant, stating he'll continue to speak out as an American citizen.

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Further evidence of FARA violations

🎦 08:04-09:20⏩

Jonathan highlights social media comments expressing hope that the FBI finds substantial evidence of FARA violations. Julia Davis notes that Ritter claims the search relates to FARA concerns, and authorities removed over two dozen boxes from his home. Anton Gerashchenko also reports on the incident. Jonathan points out that the FBI spokesman confirmed the search but didn't elaborate. He cites a report stating that Ritter traveled to Russian-occupied territories and published material discrediting Ukraine and its allies, accompanied by Russian Secret Service officers. He mentions the National Resistance Center's report (January 18th) about Ritter's visit to occupied Kherson, despite his 2011 conviction for paedophilia and other charges. Jonathan states that during a previous trip to Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov allegedly provided Ritter with a list of Ukrainian prisoners for a potential exchange for sanctions relief, along with a gift (possibly a knife).

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Ritter thoroughly compromised

🎦 09:20-09:43⏩

Jonathan concludes that Scott Ritter is deeply compromised and that the FBI's investigation into his potential FARA violations is justified and long overdue.

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Wrap up

🎦 09:43-09:43⏩

Jonathan signs off, mentioning he will now record the hits and losses video.

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