US Justice Department opens criminal inquiry into its own Russia probe
- DOJ officials have switched an administrative review of the investigation, overseen by Attorney General Barr, to a criminal inquiry
- Trump has repeatedly attacked the investigation since it began in 2016, denying allegations of collusion
Justice Department officials have switched an administrative review of the investigation, overseen by Attorney General William Barr, to a criminal inquiry, The New York Times said, citing two sources close to the matter.
The move gives lead prosecutor John Durham, the US lawyer for Connecticut, the power convene a grand jury, file criminal charges and issue subpoenas for witness testimony and documents.
The decision to open the inquiry means that the Justice Department is essentially conducting a criminal investigation into itself, though it is not clear what potential crime is being investigated, nor when the criminal inquiry began, the paper added.
Trump has repeatedly attacked the Russia investigation since it began in 2016, denying allegations of collusion and accusing those involved of treason.