Biden administration launches new ‘KleptoCapture’ task force to go after Russian oligarchs

A police officer patrols a deserted Red Square during the pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Biden administration announced a new task force that will enforce the sanctions against Russia.

The task force is one of the ways the Biden administration has taken steps to hold Russian President Putin and his cronies to account.

The group of law enforcement officers from the FBI, IRS, Postal Inspection, Homeland Security Investigations, and agents from the Secret Service will investigate and prosecute sanctions violations in connection with Russia's assault in Ukraine.

Teased by President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, the new Department of Justice task force, dubbed Task Force KleptoCapture, will deprive Russian oligarchs of assets and other tools used to evade sanctions.

Biden said that the U.S. Department of Justice was assembling a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of Russians.

The Justice Department will use all of its authorities to seize the assets of individuals and entities who violate these sanctions.

Garland said that they would leave no stone unturned in their efforts to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who aided the Russian government.

The Secretary of State discussed the new task force with his Ukrainian counterpart.

There is a developing story. You can check back for updates.