Duped by Russia, freelancers ensnared in disinformation campaign by promise of easy money

Walters is pictured near her home after speaking to Reuters about working unknowingly for a fake news outlet which Facebook says was part of a Russian disinformation campaign, in London, Britain. — Reuters

LONDON: When freelance journalist Laura Walters submitted a 1,000 word article about Chinese political influence in New Zealand to her new editors at non-profit media outlet Peace Data, the response was emphatic.

“I’d like to express our deep gratitude for your work,” wrote Peace Data communications manager Alice Schultz in a June 15 email seen by Reuters. “It’s hard to believe how totalitarian countries like China (or Russia) are finding their ways to meddle even in the strongest democracies around the globe.”