Report: Multiple FBI Investigations Into Clinton Foundation Corruption Are Underway By Debra Heine
https://pjmedia.com/trending/2016/08/13/report-multiple-fbi-investigations-into-clinton-foundation-corruption-are-underway/
There are conflicting reports this week on the question of whether the FBI is currently investigating possible corruption within the Clinton Foundation. CNN’s report that the DOJ quashed the FBI’s request to open an investigation has been contradicted by The Daily Caller, which is reporting that there is a joint FBI-U.S. Attorney probe currently being conducted. The FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI director himself have all declined to comment on the possibility of an ongoing investigation.
CNN reported yesterday that there were discussions earlier this year between the FBI and DOJ about opening a public corruption case into the foundation, but the DOJ pushed back on the idea.
At the time, three field offices were in agreement an investigation should be launched after the FBI received notification from a bank of suspicious activity from a foreigner who had donated to the Clinton Foundation, according to the official.FBI officials wanted to investigate whether there was a criminal conflict of interest with the State Department and the Clinton Foundation during Clinton’s tenure. The Department of Justice had looked into allegations surrounding the foundation a year earlier after the release of the controversial book “Clinton Cash,” but found them to be unsubstantiated and there was insufficient evidence to open a case.
As a result, DOJ officials pushed back against opening a case during the meeting earlier this year. Some also expressed concern the request seemed more political than substantive, especially given the timing of it coinciding with the investigation into the private email server and Clinton’s presidential campaign.
The FBI investigation into Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s ties to a Clinton Foundation donor was also reportedly discussed during the meeting, and that probe was allowed to continue.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Friday, asking about reports that the DOJ turned down FBI requests to investigate the foundation.
“As the press have reported widely and emails released over the past few days confirmed, representatives of the Foundation repeatedly sought special treatment for its donors and associates from senior officials at the State Department,” Cornyn wrote to Lynch.“This kind of conduct is unacceptable, and reflects the worst concerns harbored by the public about the abuse of government office to benefit the powerful at the expense of the American people,” he added.
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