WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is gearing up to file criminal charges related to a significant Iranian hacking incident that targeted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, according to multiple sources.
The timing and specific targets of the charges remain uncertain, as the FBI continues its investigation into a breach quickly connected to Iran’s efforts to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
This potential legal action underscores the concerns raised by the Justice Department regarding the involvement of countries like Russia and China in attempts to interfere with the presidential election pitting Trump against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Such interference includes hacking efforts and covert social media campaigns aimed at swaying public opinion.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen emphasized that Iran is making a more pronounced effort to influence the current election cycle than in prior years, noting, “Iran perceives this year’s elections to be particularly consequential in impacting its national security interests, increasing Tehran’s inclination to try to shape the outcome.”
The Trump campaign revealed on August 10 that it had suffered a hack, with Iranian actors allegedly stealing and disseminating sensitive internal documents. Confidential materials were reportedly leaked to various media outlets, though details about the contents remain undisclosed.
Reports indicate that the campaign began receiving emails from an anonymous AOL account, identified only as “Robert,” containing what appeared to be a research dossier on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. This document dated back to February 23, prior to Trump’s selection of Vance as his running mate.
Sources suggest that the discussions regarding the impending criminal charges are being handled discreetly due to the sensitive nature of an unresolved case.
