Washington, 7 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The US Department of Justice has ordered the disbanding of Task Force KleptoCapture, a unit established to enforce sanctions against Russian oligarchs.

A memorandum from US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the task force would be dissolved, with resources redirected to combat drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

The memo, issued on Wednesday, became public on Thursday, according to US media reports.

US President Donald Trump has "directed the federal government to revise existing national security and counter-narcotics strategies to pursue total elimination of Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations," the memo said.

"This policy requires a fundamental change in mindset and approach."

The Justice Department's money-laundering investigations will also shift focus to drug cartels and criminal organizations.

Task Force KleptoCapture was launched under then-attorney general Merrick Garland in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It was tasked with enforcing sanctions and export restrictions imposed on Russia.

At the time, Garland said: "We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue this unjust war. Let me be clear: if you violate our laws, we will hold you accountable."