Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller is teaming up with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate Paul Manafort and his financial transactions, several people familiar with the matter told Politico.
Since the US president is unable to pardon state crimes, the collaboration could also be seen as an effort to pressure Manafort to cooperate in the broader Russia investigation under Mueller, Politico reported.
CNN has not independently confirmed the report.
The move, which Politico reported on Wednesday night, is another indication that Mueller is ramping up pressure on Manafort, who served as the former chairman of President Donald Trump’s campaign. Manafort has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but he is seen as a central figure in Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s 2016 election meddling.
Messages to a Schneiderman spokesperson weren’t immediately returned.
CNN reported on Tuesday that Mueller issued subpoenas to Manafort’s former lawyer and his current spokesman, but it is unclear what specific information the Justice Department investigators believe they may have.
Additionally, earlier this summer, FBI agents raided Manafort’s home as part of the ongoing Russia investigation.
On Friday, Trump issued his first pardon — to former Arizona Sheriff Joe Apraio, an early Trump supporter who had been convicted of criminal contempt related to his crackdown on illegal immigration.
