Mueller transfers foreign agent inquiries to New York prosecutors: report

Special counsel Robert Mueller has referred several foreign agent inquiries to federal prosecutors in New York in recent months, sources familiar with the matter told CNN on Tuesday. 

Based on Mueller’s referrals, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is investigating whether several high-level American lobbyists violated national laws by failing to register their work as foreign agents on behalf of groups associated with Ukraine, CNN reported.

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Matters referred by Mueller involve Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta, former Rep. Vin Weber (R-Minn.) and former Obama White House counsel Greg Craig, CNN reported. 

Podesta’s work with the lobbying firm Podesta Group, Weber’s work for Mercury Public Affairs and Craig’s work for law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP are reportedly part of the inquiry. 

Mueller reportedly asked prosecutors in Manhattan to look into whether Podesta, Weber and Craig worked on behalf of the Ukrainian government in the U.S. without registering with the Justice Department. 

Mueller this year referred President Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen to the U.S. Attorney’s office. Cohen is reportedly under investigation for bank fraud and campaign finance violations. 

The referrals have come about as part of Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia.