Profiteering from fabricated headlines: Counterfeit journals generate substantial income

In the political landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, has been identified as the leader of the local separatist movement aiming for secession from the country. However, a recent revelation has raised questions about the tactics used to spread disinformation, with a network of fake news sites playing a significant role.

The network, which includes media outlets such as the "GNN Group" and others like "We Publisher" and "PR Push," has been found to be a facade for the dissemination of false information. The tactic behind these sites, known as information laundering, involves disinformation actors using seemingly credible sources to spread false narratives.

One of the most notable instances of this network's activity was when the public broadcaster of Republika Srpska, RTRS, published an article that painted a different picture of Dodik's statements about the state of Republika Srpska and the government in Sarajevo. The article, it was later discovered, referenced a non-existent newspaper, the "New York Mirror."

The registration data for these fake media outlets points to two individuals from Austria, R. and D., whose identities have been withheld. Investigative journalism has traced their online activities and financial transactions, revealing that they have been involved in fraudulent activities, including investment scams and bank defrauding.

Prices for publishing an article on these fake media outlets range from a few to several thousand euros. Some articles on these sites are inaccurate, while others reference real studies or media, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

The digital traces of the fake websites initially do not lead to Moscow, but to the USA. However, Ambassador Arnaut sees a connection to Russia, as the method is identical to past actions with ties to the Kremlin targeting other countries.

After a request from CORRECTIV.Faktencheck, the hosting provider Hostinger pulled the plug, making most of the fictional media websites unreachable. Despite this, the fictional "New York Mirror" has over 800,000 followers on Instagram, while the "Global Media Network" has nearly 150,000.

This network's activities have raised concerns about the spread of disinformation and its impact on political discourse. The case of Milorad Dodik serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and fact-checking in the face of misinformation.

Meanwhile, Dodik himself is facing a prison sentence for activities against the constitution. He has been convicted for separatist activities and sentenced to a one-year imprisonment and loss of his office. The legal proceedings against him continue, adding another layer of complexity to the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Profiteering from fabricated headlines: Counterfeit journals generate substantial income