[Permit]

It would help to see like, a single example of this being uncovered on the site. Failing that, it would help if he/she could point out a specific account they believe to be astroturfing here.

I agree that there have been examples of non-western countries spreading misinformation online. I have not seen any evidence that they do so on HackerNews. What I do see frequently is posters upset/surprised that the crowd here disagrees with them and then concluding that everyone else must be paid to hold such opinions.