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Pierre Girgis, a dual U.S.-Egyptian citizen, was originally charged in 2022 with acting as an unregistered agent of the Egyptian government, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 951.  Mr. Girgis was accused, among other things, of engaging in acts of “transnational oppression” to track political opponents of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi located in the United States. Section 951 is highly similar to FARA and has become a tool used by the Department of Justice to combat foreign influence.

Last week, the U.S. Attorney in Mr. Girgis’ case filed a superseding information document, alleging that Mr. Girgis was “required to register under the provisions of the Foreign Agents Registration Act” and transmitted “informational materials for and in the interests of the Government of Egypt without placing in such informational materials a conspicuous statement” required under FARA at 22 U.S.C. § 614(b).  Mr. Girgis entered a guilty plea to this “failure to label” violation of FARA, which carries a maximum penalty of $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.  Considering the initial charges, this case was resolved in a manner that was heavily favorable to Mr. Girgis.

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