In the complex and contentious world of social media and political influence, disinformation campaigns have become a key concern. Recently, an American social media influencer, known online as “AlphaFox78,” revealed to CNN that he was paid by a Russian agent to share disinformation, including a fake voter fraud video targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This disclosure highlights the growing role of social media influencers in disseminating fake information and foreign propaganda, adding another layer to the ongoing struggle against election interference.

Russian Agent Payment for Fake Voter Fraud Video

The individual behind the “AlphaFox78” account on X (formerly Twitter) disclosed that he was paid $100 by Simeon Boikov, a known Russian propagandist and registered foreign agent, to share a staged video claiming that Haitian immigrants were voting illegally in the U.S. presidential election. The video, now debunked by the Georgia Secretary of State, falsely depicted a Haitian immigrant planning to vote twice for Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia. Officials confirmed that the video was entirely fabricated, with actors, fake IDs, and misleading visuals created as part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

Despite the warning signs, AlphaFox posted the video to his 650,000 followers without fact-checking its origins or authenticity. “I didn’t think anything of it,” he told CNN, defending his actions by saying he was simply “the guy who shared it.” However, this role as a conduit of disinformation, whether intentional or not, made him a powerful pawn in Russia’s efforts to influence American political discourse.

Who is Simeon Boikov? Russian Agent Behind the Scenes

Boikov, known online as “AussieCossack,” is a controversial figure who publicly promotes pro-Kremlin narratives. Boikov, an Australian citizen recently granted Russian citizenship, is actively involved in Russian media efforts and seeks asylum at the Russian consulate in Sydney. As a registered foreign agent, he uses his platform to generate disinformation content that caters to an international audience, including the U.S. By funding influencers like AlphaFox, Boikov expands his reach, ensuring that carefully crafted, misleading content reaches broad audiences with seemingly organic engagement.

Experts in disinformation, such as Darren Linvill of Clemson University, point out that using influencers as “trusted” sources for disinformation is strategic and effective. This tactic mirrors that of commercial marketing, where brands use social media personalities to endorse products, knowing that audiences often trust these individuals as much as real-life friends. In Boikov’s case, paying influencers amplifies messages with disinformation campaigns that would otherwise struggle to gain legitimacy.

Disinformation Strategy: How Russia Leverages Influencers

AlphaFox’s disclosure has opened a window into how Russia’s disinformation networks operate. The fake voter fraud video incident wasn’t a one-off. AlphaFox claims that Boikov paid him around $100 for approximately ten other posts, including memes and other politically charged content that supported narratives Russia wanted to promote.

This revelation aligns with previous reports from U.S. intelligence agencies, which warn that Russia uses influencers to circulate misinformation. Such strategies are effective because they exploit the natural reach and engagement of influencers, making it easier for disinformation to infiltrate online communities. By tapping into the influence of high-following accounts like AlphaFox, foreign actors bypass some of the barriers that would limit the reach of official propaganda, allowing their content to spread rapidly and organically among unsuspecting users.

Key Video Debunked, but Influence Persists

The Georgia Secretary of State’s office quickly responded to the fake video by categorizing it as “obviously fake” and likely produced by foreign agents to interfere in the 2024 election. According to a spokesperson, the video required significant resources to debunk and counter, diverting state resources that could otherwise be used for election security and voter engagement efforts.

While AlphaFox eventually removed the video after it reached more than 2.6 million views, similar content continues to circulate. The damage from disinformation is often irreversible; once misinformation is seeded online, it can be nearly impossible to retract or erase it entirely. The fake voter fraud video has continued to reappear on social media, where it remains a symbol of how disinformation can undermine trust in the democratic process.

Lessons in Social Media Vigilance

Reflecting on his involvement, AlphaFox expressed remorse, stating that he didn’t intend to mislead anyone and was unaware of Boikov’s background as a Russian propagandist. “People need to be more vigilant when they share things,” he told CNN, acknowledging that he should have scrutinized the video’s content and origins before sharing it.

This incident underscores the importance of digital literacy and responsibility, especially as social media increasingly becomes a battleground for public opinion. Disinformation experts emphasize that social media platforms and their users must remain vigilant, as foreign interference strategies are only becoming more sophisticated. The influence of real users and familiar influencers in spreading false information has proven to be a powerful tool for foreign actors.