The Southern Poverty Law Center has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, on 11 felony counts, including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, in connection with an alleged scheme involving payments to individuals tied to extremist groups.

According to the indictment, unsealed Tuesday, the nonprofit is accused of directing more than $3 million between 2014 and 2023 to at least eight informants associated with organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nation, and National Alliance, while representing to donors that funds would be used to combat extremism.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, alleging the organization misled both donors and financial institutions about the purpose of the payments. Prosecutors claim the SPLC used fictitious entities, including “Fox Photography” and “Rare Books Warehouse,” to open bank accounts and distribute funds through prepaid cards, obscuring the source and intent of the transactions.

The indictment outlines several specific cases, including more than $1 million allegedly paid to an informant linked to the National Alliance who provided internal documents, and approximately $270,000 to another individual who assisted with logistics tied to the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. A third individual reportedly received $6,000 after taking responsibility for a theft connected to the operation.

Federal authorities allege some informants were not only gathering intelligence but also participating in or promoting extremist activities while under SPLC direction. Prosecutors argue donors were not informed that contributions could be used in ways that benefited individuals associated with such groups.

In response, interim SPLC President and CEO Bryan Fair said the organization would contest what he described as false allegations. He defended the use of informants as part of a long-standing effort to monitor threats and share intelligence with law enforcement, stating the program was intended to protect public safety. Fair also noted the organization no longer uses paid informants.

The case is being pursued under the Justice Department and remains pending, with the allegations yet to be tested in court.