FBI probing Ivanka Trump role in Vancouver hotel, says CNN
The FBI is investigating Ivanka Trump’s business dealings and the financing of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Vancouver, CNN reported.
“In the case of Vancouver, it’s not clear why investigators are examining this particular deal,” stated the American news network, which cited unnamed sources.
“The timing of the deal — as one of the few Trump-branded properties to open since [Donald] Trump took office — could be of interest. The flow of foreign money, either from the developer or international condo buyers, could also be sparking scrutiny,” reported CNN.
Joo Kim Tiah, CEO of Kuala Lumpur-based TA Global and its Vancouver subsidiary, Holborn Group, which constructed and owns the hotel and condo tower on West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver, did not immediately return calls.
The investigation comes as Ivanka Trump is trying to obtain full security clearance in her role as adviser to her father, in his role as U.S. president. Her husband, Jared Kushner, has had his security clearance level downgraded. Thursday, it was revealed he is under scrutiny after it emerged his family company secured more than $500 million in loans after financial executives met with him at the White House.
The $360-million Vancouver tower was unveiled a year ago with Trump brothers Eric and Donald Jr. arriving in Vancouver to oversee opening ceremonies along with Tiah’s Malaysiabased businessman father, Tiah Thee Kian.
At the time, Ivanka Trump’s involvement in the Vancouver property was described as a hands-on role in its interior design. There is a spa in the property that bears her name.
She did not attend the opening in Vancouver, having taken a leave of absence from the Trump Organization as its executive vice-president, real estate development and acquisitions, a month and a half earlier.
The Vancouver tower was one of the first of the family’s non-U.S. properties to open after Donald Trump became president, sparking interest because Trump had handed over the running of his empire to his family members, but did not divest himself of his ownership.
At the time, U.S. reporters were looking into Trump’s dealings with Russia and ownership of individual units at Trump’s global properties.