The first charges have been filed in the ongoing special counsel investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, CNN is reporting.
Neither the specific charges, nor the person or persons named in them, are known at this time. CNN reports that the charges, filed Friday, have been sealed by a federal judge, and that plans are in development to take the individual or individuals into custody as early as Monday.
Former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel overseeing the investigation in May by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who, in accordance with federal regulations, would likely have been made aware of any charges prior to the grand jury. Rosenstein has oversight over the Russia investigation due to Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusing himself from any investigation into the 2016 election.
The investigation is primarily concerned with whether or not there was collusion between Trump’s presidential campaign and the Russian government, which is widely believed to have conducted operations designed to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Also under investigation is possible obstruction of justice by Trump.
Mueller’s team has looked closely at several Trump associates, including Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and former national security adviser Michael Flynn.