Casey Michel - Human Rights Foundation

Casey Michel

Combating Kleptocracy Program Head

Casey Michel oversees the Human Rights Foundation (HRF)’s Combating Kleptocracy Program, focusing on transnational corruption, illicit finance, and the corruption that links dictators around the world. He is the author of two books, “American Kleptocracy” and “Foreign Agents,” both published by St. Martin’s Press. Michel has written on kleptocracy and related topics for outlets like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic, and others. He received his master’s degree Russian, Eurasian, and East European studies from Columbia University, and he’s currently sanctioned by the Russian regime for his work.

Casey 's Work

Sep 30, 2024

America’s Adversaries Are Targeting Its Cities and States

Last week, federal prosecutors launched a bombshell indictment against sitting New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Sep 28, 2024

The Indictment of Eric Adams Shouldn’t Surprise Us

The new, unsealed indictment against Eric Adams, accusing him of a range of crimes over nearly a decade, is significant for any number of reasons

Sep 5, 2024

Despots and oligarchs have many means to meddle in American politics

As well as the colourful details of corruption on a grand scale—the gold bars, the cash stashed in boots and jackets—a particular point stood out during the conviction in July of Bob Menendez, then the senior Democratic senator for New Jersey, on charges including bribery and fraud.

Aug 29, 2024

HRF’s Casey Michel Sanctioned by Russian Regime

On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sanctioned the Human Rights Foundation’s (HRF) Casey Michel, as well as other American academics, journalists, and industry leaders.

Aug 26, 2024

New Book Release: Read “Foreign Agents” by HRF’s Casey Michel

Casey Michel, director of the Human Rights Foundation’s (HRF) Combatting Kleptocracy program, is releasing his new book, “Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World.”

Mar 16, 2024

5 Scenarios for Russia After Putin’s Next Term

This weekend, Vladimir Putin will win another election as Russia’s president.

Mar 15, 2024

How Viktor Orbán Conquered the Heritage Foundation

Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made waves by flying to the United States to meet with Donald Trump—but not with sitting president Joe Biden.

Mar 1, 2024

Russia’s Opposition Needs More Than One Savior

The past few weeks have seen an outpouring of both grief and tributes following the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. And rightfully so. Navalny’s death in a Siberian gulag effectively snuffed out what many viewed as the clearest path to Russia’s eventual democratization.

Feb 27, 2024

In America, there is finally good news on the anti-money laundering front

For years, the US acted as one of the world’s leading centres for money laundering and offshore finance. Now, that reality is changing fast.

Feb 15, 2024

The American Consulting Firms That Live in Fear of Their Murderous Clients

For years, America’s most prominent consulting firms have been competing against one another to service the most heinous regimes on the planet, offering their efforts and advice for tyrants and kleptocrats looking to expand their reach and their repression.