Trump aide accused of plotting against US
DONALD Trump’s presidential campaign manager and his deputy have been charged with conspiracy against the US after a probe into possible Russian meddling in last year’s election.
Paul Manafort, 68, and his deputy Rick Gates, 45, were also charged with money laundering when they went before the federal special counsel’s office after turning themselves in.
They are the first to face charges after the investigation headed by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller looking into claims that Moscow had a hand in the election.
Mr Trump distanced himself from the case and yesterday tweeted: “Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign.”
Manafort and Gates were charged on Friday and the offences revealed yesterday when they surrendered to the FBI.
The 12 charges include conspiracy against the US, conspiracy to launder money, failing to register as a foreign agent, false statements and failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts.
Mr Mueller’s investigation is focused on alleged financial crimes rather than claims the Trump campaign worked with Russia to swing the 2016 election in his favour. The allegations predate the campaign and the President’s name is not mentioned in the 31- page document.
Manafort is reported to have received £ 9million in undisclosed payments from pro- Russian former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych.
The Justice Department’s charges claim both Manafort and Gates generated tens of millions of dollars in income as a result of work for Ukraine.
Manafort and Gates yesterday pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges in the Federal District Court in Washington.