Giuliani allies Parnas, Fruman face fresh U.S. charges

Federal prosecutors on Thursday filed additional charges against associates of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, alleging they solicited foreign donations for U.S. election campaigns and defrauded investors in a company they launched.

Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman were already facing charges that they worked on behalf of one or more

Ukrainian government officials to oust Marie Yovanovitch as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and that they illegally funneled foreign money into U.S. political campaigns, including a $325,000 contribution to the pro-Trump America First political action committee.

They have pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The two men worked closely with Giuliani in trying to dig up dirt in Ukraine on Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden, an effort that contributed to President Donald Trump’s impeachment. Prosecutors had indicated in December that the case could be expanded based on a review of evidence including bank accounts, email addresses and other materials.

Giuliani has not been charged in the investigation.

“Lev Parnas has been on strict home confinement for nearly one year, waiting for this superseding indictment, which contains no surprises,” Joseph Bondy, a lawyer for Parnas, said. “We are pleased that the matter can now move forward, for both Mr. Parnas and the public interest.”

Todd Blanche, a lawyer for Fruman, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.