In this January 13, 2016 file photo, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe gestures as he delivers his State of the Commonwealth Address before a joint session of the 2016 Virginia Assembly at the Capitol in Richmond, Va.
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CNN reported the investigation is “active and ongoing”. A law-enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday that McAuliffe is the subject of a federal investigation looking at donations to his 2013 gubernatorial campaign. Wang also has been a donor to the Clinton foundation, pledging $2 million.
CBS News reported a year ago that Rilin Enterprises – a company run by Wenliang and reportedly connected to the McAuliffe donation in question – pledged $2 million in 2013 to the Clinton Foundation’s endowment.
Donations to McAuliffe’s campaign made by Chinese businessman Wang Wenlia that were funneled through his USA businesses are a key part of the FBI investigation.
“C$3 ontributions to the campaign from Mr. Wang were completely lawful”, McAuliffe campaign attorney Marc Elias said in a statement to ABC News.
Officials are also purportedly investigating McAuliffe’s role at the Clinton Global Initiative, former President Bill ClintonBill ClintonVa. governor: I’m “baffled” by federal probe Trump surrogate: “Even Bill Clinton chose other women” over Hillary The Trail 2016: Digging up dirt MORE’s charitable organization.
McAuliffe says the donations were by the book, and that the probe won’t impede his agenda.
It has not been made clear what other allegations the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation are considering.
CNN said that one donor who caught the attention of investigators was Chinese billionaire Wang Wenliang who contributed $120,000. Wenliang, who gave the donation through his US businesses, previously was delegate to China’s National People’s Congress – the country’s ceremonial legislature.
However, the investigators are not alleging that the Clinton Global Initiative Foundation did anything improper. In fact, the inquiry could very well reveal nothing, they said.
McAuliffe’s predecessor, Bob McDonnell, appealed his conviction on federal corruption charges.
Quoting anonymous USA officials, CNN reported that campaign donations from a Chinese businessman drew invesitigators’ attention.
McAuliffe said he is not particularly anxious about an investigation, and that he was totally unaware of it before Monday.
Under U.S. law, candidates for federal, state or local office are prohibited from accepting donations from foreign nationals.
“No one has alleged any wrongdoing on my part”. Foreigners are prohibited from donating to US political campaigns, but a spokeswoman for Wenliang told CNN the donation was perfectly legal because Wenliang holds permanent resident status in the U.S.
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McAuliffe was elected governor of Virginia in 2013.
