FEC Is Probing Whether Russia Funneled Money To NRA
The Federal Elections Commission has opened a preliminary inquiry into whether Russian individuals or entities funneled money to the National Rifle Association to boost Donald Trumps campaign, Politico reported Friday.
The probe stems in part from a complaint filed by the American Democracy Legal Fund, a progressive advocacy group. The groups treasurer, Brad Woodhouse, confirmed to Politico that hed received notification from the FEC that an investigation was underway.
An NRA spokesman declined Politicos request for comment, while the FEC said it could not confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations.
Per the report, if investigators find troubling information while digging through the NRAs campaign finance records, the FEC could launch a full probe, impose fines, or even refer criminal matters to the Justice Department and Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
McClatchy has previously reported that the FBI is investigating whether Russian banker and life member of the NRA, Aleksandr Torshin, illegally channeled money to the NRA to help Trumps 2016 campaign.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/fec-investigating-russia-funneled-money-nra