The Christian Science Monitor

Manafort indicted: Why ‘following the money’ looms large in Russia probe

Sooner or later, it comes down to money.

Even in the highest-profile cases, involving possible crimes by mobsters or political officials or even presidents, the flow of illegal money is usually involved.   

And that is why from Al Capone in 1931 to the Iran-Contra scandal in the 1980s to the Whitewater investigations in the 1990s, prosecutors have wielded tax-evasion charges with success.

In the current investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, special counsel Robert Mueller is using the tax charges, along with money-laundering and other charges, not just to get justice, but as a lever to try to get former

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Christian Science Monitor

The Christian Science Monitor3 min readCrime & Violence
Here Are The Three Keys To Trump’s Defense In Hush Money Lawsuit
Manhattan prosecutors have long telegraphed how they’ll frame their historic criminal case against former President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels, prosecutors allege, to keep her from selling the story of their s
The Christian Science Monitor3 min readAmerican Government
Congress Moves On Ukraine Aid. Doubts About US Leadership Persist.
Shortly after the U.S. House of Representatives approved long-stalled military assistance for Ukraine, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, lauded the vote for putting the United States back in its rightful place as leader of the free world.
The Christian Science Monitor5 min read
An Archipelago Was Losing Its Ancient Sport. African Migrants May Save It.
Mamadou Camara and his opponent step out into the sandy arena. The two men – towering, hulking figures – bend at the waist and lock into position, grabbing the edges of each other’s rolled-up white shorts, head on each other’s shoulder. The referee b

Related Books & Audiobooks