Changes

The '''Magnitsky Act of 2012''', commonly referred to as the '''Russian Sanctions bill''' is named for Serge Magnitsky, an investigator who was allegedly starved and murdered on the 357 day of a 365 day sentence while in a Russian prison. His employer, Bill Browder, is a billionaire global investor who beginning in the mid 1990s made very large investments in the Russian Federation. Browder at one time was a good friend of Vladimir Putin. Browder had invested about $230 million with Russian oligarchs, however by the 2010s suspected fraudulent accounting after sustaining massive losses. Browder sent Magnitsky to investigate, but instead was thrown in prison and accused of owing taxes for the company he represented which was trying to recover its losses.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/07/10/senate-panel-to-hear-testimony-from-businessman-targeted-by-trump-dossier-firm/ </ref>

The '''Magnitsky Act of 2012''', commonly referred to as the '''Russian Sanctions bill''' is named for Serge Magnitsky, an investigator who was allegedly starved and murdered on the 357 day of a 365 day sentence while in a Russian prison. His employer, Bill Browder, is a billionaire global investor who beginning in the mid 1990s made very large investments in the Russian Federation. Browder at one time was a good friend of Vladimir Putin. Browder had invested about $230 million with Russian oligarchs, however by the 2010s suspected fraudulent accounting after sustaining massive losses. Browder sent Magnitsky to investigate, but instead was thrown in prison and accused of owing taxes for the company he represented which was trying to recover its losses.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2017/07/10/senate-panel-to-hear-testimony-from-businessman-targeted-by-trump-dossier-firm/ </ref>

Browder contacted Sen. John McCain with the story and a list of very powerful Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin whom Browder accused of stealing his money. When the Crimean annexation occured McCain used Browder's list to create a "targeted sanctions" list of specific individuals, oligarchs, and businesses  

Browder contacted Sen. [[John McCain]] with the story and a list of very powerful Russian oligarchs close to [[Vladimir Putin]] whom Browder accused of stealing his money. When the [[Crimean annexation]] occured McCain used Browder's list to create a "targeted sanctions" list of specific individuals, oligarchs, and businesses Browder accused of ripping off his money who now, by the Magnitsky Act, are blacklisted by all US citizens and businesses from doing business with until Browder's money is recovered. Among them is a company called Prevezon which figures prominently.

Browder accused of ripping off his money who now, by the Magnitsky Act, are blacklisted by all US citizens and businesses from doing business with until Browder's money is recovered. Among them is a company called Prevezon which figures prominently.

Throughout the Trump-Russia scandal the Magnitsky Act was used as a pretext to justify the Obama administration's illegal domestic spying on political opponents.

Throughout the Trump-Russia scandal the Magnitsky Act was used as a pretext to justify the Obama administration's illegal domestic spying on political opponents.