The Russian-based PMC Wagner Group, which is linked to countless atrocities in Ukraine, Syria, and across Africa, would be listed as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) under a bipartisan, bicameral bill sponsored on Dec. 1 by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).
“Vladimir Putin and his cronies will stop at nothing to accomplish their objectives, including employing mercenaries like the Wagner Group to commit atrocities on their behalf,” Sen. Wicker said. “The U.S. should call this shadow army what it is: a foreign terrorist group. We must hold them accountable along with any who support them.”
Sen. Wicker introduced the Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries (HARM) Act, S. 5164, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) to require the U.S. Secretary of State to designate as an FTO the PMC Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization simultaneously called a private military company, a network of mercenaries, or a de facto private army of Russian President Putin.
S. 5164 is companion legislation to the same-named H.R. 9381, also introduced on Dec. 1 by U.S. Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Joe Wilson (R-SC), among others.
“The HARM Act will identify Putin’s private mercenary group as a foreign terrorist organization and let the world know that its activities are both malign and illegal,” said Rep. Cohen. “It’s time to shine some light on this notorious group and give it the detestable reputation it deserves.”
According to information provided by Sen. Wicker’s staff, members of the PMC Wagner Group have murdered and threatened journalists, kidnapped children, deployed nerve agents against civilians, committed acts of torture, and engaged in rape and sex trafficking of women and children.
Within 90 days of its enactment, the HARM Act would require the Secretary of State to designate the PMC Wagner Group as an FTO under section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The proposed bill also includes provisions that would apply the FTO designation to any affiliated or successor entity to the PMC Wagner Group, according to the text of the bill.