According to a CNN report, there is a suspicion that funds have been transferred to the White House or a related committee • New York Times publication: Trump works to pardon his associates and three of his children
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating a suspected bribe in exchange for President Trump's pardon, CNN reported Wednesday night.
According to the suspicion, funds were transferred to the White House or a related committee, according to confidential documents that were revealed.
Following the publication, the U.S. Department of Justice made it clear that no U.S. government official is the subject of the investigation or a suspect in the affair.
Only part of the 18-page document was exposed, and many of the details remained confidential.
The identities of those involved in the affair or the order of action of the suspects were not revealed.
The records show District Judge Brill Howell's review of the plaintiffs' request to access the documents.
Archive photo: Reuters
Under the order, federal prosecutors in Washington claimed over the summer that they had obtained evidence of a bribery scheme in which someone "offered a significant political contribution in exchange for a presidential pardon or sentencing."
The Department of Justice was forced to request Howell's permission to view certain electronic communications between an attorney and clients whose identities were not disclosed.
Plaintiffs sought access to more than 50 digital devices, including iPhones, iPads, laptops, computer drives and more.
Prosecutors believed the devices revealed emails proving alleged criminal activity, including a "secret lobbying program." Judge Howell granted the request in August.
As mentioned, President Donald Trump last week pardoned his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who admitted that he lied to the FBI during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Report: Trump is working to pardon his relatives
Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that Trump is working to grant a pardon to three of his children, his son-in-law and his lawyer, for fear the Biden administration will take revenge on them.
Donald Trump Jr. was previously questioned by Robert Mueller, the special investigator in the Russian intervention case during the 2016 presidential campaign, on suspicion of acting in ways that were not kosher to overthrow Hillary Clinton.
Trump Jr. has never been charged.
Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump's husband and Trump's top adviser, gave false information to federal authorities about contacts with foreign officials on security matters.
These talks were held in coordination with the President.
It is not clear what his children Ivanka and Eric are involved in.
This may be an investigation into a tax case.
Giuliani is being investigated for his dealings with Ukraine and for his part in ousting the US ambassador to the country.
