Woman suspected of trying to sell Pelosi's computer in Moscow

Riley Williams, one of the rioters in Washington, is suspected of trying to sell Nancy Pelosi's laptop to Russia.

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The case could cost him dearly.

A 22-year-old woman is suspected of having tried, without success, to sell to Russian intelligence the computer of the leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, stolen during the attack on the Capitol on January 6 .

According to the indictment, consulted by AFP, Riley June Williams, originally from Pennsylvania, was among the rioters who broke into the Capitol.

Monday evening, the American authorities had still not managed to arrest him.

Images broadcast by UK channel ITV show a young woman, whose identity her mother has confirmed with the channel, directing the crowd to go upstairs.

An anonymous witness, interviewed by US authorities, claims to have seen other videos in which Riley Williams seizes a computer (or hard drive) in Nancy Pelosi's office.

According to the same witness cited in the indictment, who claims to be an ex-partner of the young woman, the latter had planned to send the material to a contact in Russia so that he sells it to external intelligence services. Russian (SVR).

The operation would have ultimately failed, for unspecified reasons, and Riley Williams would therefore still be in possession of the computer or having destroyed it.

On the run

An arrest warrant has been issued for the young woman, whose mother told an ITV reporter that she had left the family home.

She deleted all of her social media accounts.

Asked by AFP, the office of the federal prosecutor in Washington declined to give more details immediately.

The indictment has so far only held against Riley Williams the counts of break-in and disturbing the peace, but not theft.

Nearly 70 people have already been charged following the events of January 6, according to the US Department of Justice.

The authorities again proceeded on Sunday to a series of arrests in connection with these indictments.

The charges range from breaking and entering to carrying prohibited weapons, including disturbing public order and assaulting law enforcement officials.

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