(CNN) Elliott Broidy, a top Republican fundraiser involved in President Donald Trump's 2016 inaugural committee, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy relating to a secret lobbying campaign to influence the Trump administration on behalf of a foreign billionaire in exchange for millions of dollars. Broidy was charged earlier this month with conspiracy for failing to register and disclose his role in a lobbying effort aimed at stopping a criminal investigation into massive fraud at a Malaysian investment fund and advocating for the removal of a Chinese billionaire living in the US. Broidy, who pleaded guilty in a cooperation deal with prosecutors, will forfeit $6.6 million. According to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, who read portions of the plea agreement during a virtual hearing, prosecutors will not bring charges against Broidy in connection with a separate Middle East effort. At sentencing, per the agreement, prosecutors will present information about Broidy's efforts "to obtain business from a Middle Eastern country and your client's efforts to influence US policy towards a second Middle Eastern country in its alleged support of terrorist activities," the judge said.

Source: CNN October 20, 2020 20:03 UTC