Facebook removes more than 100 accounts linked to Russian troll factory

Company says the Internet Research Agency, which is among those charged by a US grand jury with conspiracy to defraud, has abused the platform

Facebook has removed 135 accounts which it believes are linked to the Russia-based Internet Research Agency (IRA), an organisation accused of spreading divisive messages across the internet, supporting the Russian government and attempting to weaken its rivals.

The social media giant said the IRA - among those charged by a US grand jury with conspiracy to defraud the United States - has no place on Facebook after abusing the service.