MANAFORT and GATES had repeatedly and falsely represented in writing to MANAFORT’s tax preparer that MANAFORT had no authority over foreign bank accounts, knowing that such false representations would result in false MANAFORT tax filings. The indictment alleges that Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates violated those laws. The indictment shows how the investigators’ deep scrutiny of Mr. Manafort’s financial dealings helped them uncover additional alleged offenses that resulted in charges. The first charge against Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates is conspiracy, a powerful tool used by prosecutors. This gives Mr. Manafort an additional incentive to cooperate as part of a plea deal that could allow his family to keep some of those assets.

Source: New York Times October 30, 2017 16:11 UTC