The Department of Justice has launched a new Clinton Foundation probe to determine whether it engaged in any illegal political activities while Hilary Clinton was Secretary of State, according to law enforcement officials and a witness.
The lead on the investigation has been taken by FBI agents from Little Rock where the foundation was established, and The Hill reports that at least one witness has been interviewed so far, with additional activities by law enforcement officials expected over the course of the next few weeks.
According to the officials, the inquiry is trying to find out whether the Clintons promised or performed any policy favors in return for generous donations to their charitable efforts or whether any donations had been made by donors hoping to secure government outcomes.
The officials added that the investigation might examine as well whether any tax-exempt assets were converted for personal use and whether the Clinton Foundation complied with tax laws.
A witness who the FBI interviewed not long ago said that the probe was “extremely professional and unquestionably thorough,” focusing on questions referring to possible favorable treatment by the Obama administration toward donors to the Clinton Foundation.
Hillary Clinton Communications Director Nick Merrill harshly criticized the FBI for re-opening the case, deeming the probe “disgraceful” and maintaining it was nothing more than a political distraction from President Donald Trump‘s Russia controversies.
“Let’s call this what it is: a sham. This is a philanthropy that does life-changing work, which Republicans have tried to turn into a political football,” Merrill said.
Foundation spokesman Craig Minassian said that the investigation will not distract the charity from its daily work.
“Time after time, the Clinton Foundation has been subjected to politically motivated allegations, and time after time these allegations have been proven false. None of this has made us waver in our mission to help people,” he stated.
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