FBI Special Agent Who Investigated Trump-Russia Collusion to Plead Guilty to Conspiring with Russian Oligarch
FBI Special Agent Charles McGonigal is anticipated to plead guilty the following week for his involvement in a conspiracy with a Russian oligarch, Oleg Deripaska.
Earlier this year, Charles McGonigal, a former Special Agent who supervised counter-intelligence in the New York field office, was apprehended for conspiring with Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch.
Charles McGonigal faced a five-count indictment which included charges for violating and plotting to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA"), as well as conspiring to commit money laundering and engaging in money laundering.
As per the Department of Justice's press release, Mr. McGonigal retired in 2018.
During his tenure at the FBI, he oversaw and participated in inquiries involving Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska.
According to the DOJ, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated, "Charles McGonigal, a former high-ranking FBI official, along with Sergey Shestakov, a court interpreter, allegedly violated U.S. sanctions by agreeing to provide services to the sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Despite their previous collaboration with Deripaska to attempt the removal of his sanctions, their roles as public servants should have made them aware of their wrongdoing. This office will persevere in prosecuting those who breach U.S. sanctions imposed due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, all for personal gain."
The DOJ alleges that both McGonigal and Shestakov were aware that their actions defied U.S. sanctions, as McGonigal had access to classified information indicating Deripaska's impending inclusion in the list of sanctioned Russian oligarchs.
McGonigal is projected to enter a guilty plea in a federal court in Manhattan next week, according to a court filing.
ABC News reported:
One of the most senior FBI officials to face criminal charges is expected to plead guilty in Manhattan federal court next week, as indicated by a recent court submission.
Charles McGonigal, former head of counterintelligence for the FBI's New York field office, has a "plea proceeding" scheduled for August 5, according to a directive from a judge.
"The Court has been informed that Defendant Charles McGonigal may wish to enter a change of plea," the directive mentioned.
McGonigal was charged in relation to his ties with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire who faced U.S. sanctions and was criminally charged the previous year for violating those sanctions.
McGonigal, who concluded his tenure at the FBI in 2018, is accused of violating U.S. sanctions by attempting to have Deripaska removed from the sanctions list, as well as investigating a competing Russian oligarch in exchange for concealed payments from Deripaska.
