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Donald Trump (archive image)
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Exactly one week ago it became known that the New York public prosecutor's office had taken its investigations into the business practices in the company of ex-US President Donald Trump to a new level: in addition to the civilian investigations, also criminal investigations.
According to the Washington Post, the next step is now.
Manhattan's prosecutor Cyrus Vance has therefore put together a grand jury.
The newspaper cites two sources, not named, that are close to the investigation.
According to their information, the jury group should decide whether charges must be brought against Trump, executives in his group or the company itself.
It is by no means certain.
According to the Washington Post, the move suggests that Vance's investigations are well advanced after two years.
And more importantly, it at least suggests that the prosecutor may have found enough evidence of a possible crime.
However, a quick decision is not to be expected.
According to the Manhattan Prosecutor, the jury will meet three days a week for six months.
Vance is investigating, among other things, the alleged hush money payments that Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen allegedly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels and former playmate Karen McDougal.
Both women claim to have had affairs with Trump.
This denies.
Meanwhile, however, Vance's investigation goes beyond the Daniels and McDougal cases.
It's about loans and insurance
Manhattan Attorney's Office partners with New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
She began an investigation after Cohen testified in front of the US Congress that the value of some assets had been increased in Trump's financial statements to save money on loans and insurance.
In addition, other assets were reported too low to reduce real estate taxes.
In this context, the authorities are examining four properties, including one in the center of Manhattan.
According to James, Eric Trump, son of the ex-president, is closely involved in one or more transactions as executive vice president of the Trump Organization holding company.
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