The US Justice Department under President Donald Trump is disbanding an effort to enforce sanctions and target oligarchs close to the Kremlin, Reuters reports.

A memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi said the effort, known as Task Force KleptoCapture, will end as part of a shift in focus and funding to combating drug cartels and international gangs.

"This policy requires a fundamental change in mindset and approach," Bondi wrote in the directive.

Prosecutors assigned to the task force will return to their previous posts.

The changes will be in effect for at least 90 days and could be renewed or made permanent, according to the directive.