Washington
Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort was on Monday charged with conspiracy against the US and money laundering, marking the first criminal allegations in a special counsel probe into Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Manafort, 68, and his business associate Rick Gates, 45, surrendered to federal authorities this morning.

The two have been charged on 12 counts including conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) statements, and false statements.

The indictment is part of the investigations being done by former FBI chief Robert Mueller, who has been appointed by the Department of Justice as a special counsel to probe into the allegations of Russian interference into the presidential elections and the connection with the Trump Campaign if any.

The indictment filed in federal court in Washington also accused both men of funneling tens of millions of dollars in payments through foreign companies and bank accounts.

Manafort joined Trump’s campaign team in March 2016, and was elevated to the role of campaign manager in June. He resigned amidst a scandal about his foreign consulting work.

In total, more than USD 75 million flowed through the offshore accounts. Manafort is accused of laundering more than USD 18 million, according to the indictment.

The Clinton Campaign and the Democratic Party have alleged that the Russian interference had contributed in Trump’s electoral victory and the shocking defeat of Hillary Clinton.

Trump was quick to react, insisting that there was no collusion with Russia and calling on his Democratic Party rival Hillary Clinton to be investigated.

“Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign. But why aren’t Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????,” he tweeted. “….Also, there is NO COLLUSION!”

Mueller is also investigating if Trump indulged in obstruction of justice.

Citing officials, CNN reported that the White House lawyers met with the President today to explain the federal charges leveled against the former campaign officials.

Clinton has so far not commented on the indictments.

A day earlier, Trump in a series of tweets said it is not a coincidence that news surrounding Mueller’s investigation was surfacing at the same time Republicans are pushing tax reform.