Charges Filed Against First Individual in Russia's Interference in U.S. Elections Case

Reuters and other media outlets report that a grand jury formed to investigate potential Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections has filed charges against one individual in this case. A source informed Reuters that a federal judge has ordered that the charges and the identity of the accused be sealed until Monday. While American media have speculated about the identity of the accused individual or individuals, some reports indicate that judicial authorities may soon issue summons or arrest warrants. Reuters states that the news of the charges against one person in the case of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election was initially reported on Friday by CNN. This grand jury was established at the request of Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, and is reviewing the available evidence. Sources familiar with Robert Mueller's investigations have told Reuters that he has conducted extensive inquiries into potential connections between Donald Trump's campaign and foreign countries, including tax evasion and money laundering. The U.S. Department of Justice appointed Robert Mueller, former director of the FBI, as 'special counsel' to lead the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on May 17, 2017. Several U.S. security agencies announced in January 2017 that, at the conclusion of their investigations, they found that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, ordered an organized campaign to 'influence' the U.S. elections, aimed at undermining trust in the American electoral system, weakening Hillary Clinton, and aiding Donald Trump. Despite all the evidence presented by critics, the Russian government denies any interference in the U.S. election campaign, and Donald Trump also denies any collusion with Russia.