The person who confirmed the criminal investigation Thursday was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. ADIt is not clear what potential crimes are being investigated, but the designation as a formal criminal investigation gives prosecutors the ability to issue subpoenas, potentially empanel a grand jury and compel witnesses to give testimony and bring federal criminal charges. It’s not clear when Durham’s inquiry shifted to a criminal investigation. He is also investigating whether the surveillance methods and intelligence gathering methods used during the investigation were legal and appropriate. ADThe New York Times first reported that Durham’s inquiry had become a criminal investigation.

Source: Washington Post October 25, 2019 01:07 UTC