Vermont Elected Official Joins Russian Special Forces While Retaining Office
Christopher Helali, an elected Orange County high bailiff, has reportedly joined Russia's Akhmat Spetsnaz while still holding his Vermont office.
POLICY WIRE — Vershire, Vermont — An elected local official in Vermont has reportedly enlisted in Russia’s military special forces while technically maintaining his political position in the state.
Christopher Helali, who won the election for the high bailiff of Orange County last year, has signed a military contract with Russia’s Akhmat Spetsnaz unit. According to an investigation by journalist David Collier, Helali has moved to Russia to serve and has requested citizenship.
Despite his physical presence and service abroad, Helali maintains that he remains a resident of Vershire, Vermont. The role of high bailiff is a state-wide position that has historically been viewed as having minimal responsibilities and a low profile.
In Vermont, the duties of the high bailiff are rarely invoked. The office primarily involves stepping in to assist the local sheriff if that individual is unable to perform their duties due to incarceration or other circumstances.
Reports indicate that Helali has established political ties to Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Additionally, he has previously been seen publicly alongside figures associated with groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
