US authorities probe alleged 'bribery for pardon' scheme ahead of Trump's White House exit

In what could be yet another low in Donald Trump's controversial presidential stint, the US justice department is probing an alleged "bribery-for-pardon" scheme as per a court filing unsealed on Tuesday, December 2. This comes amid a flurry of media reports suggesting that the US president is considering sweeping pardons before his White House departure next month.

As per reports, the redacted filings do not name Trump but state that two individuals acted as lobbyists to secure presidential pardon in exchange for a "substantial political contribution". The names have been blacked out. Meanwhile, the justice department clarified that no government official is being probed and the investigation is to ascertain if money was funnelled to the White House in exchange for a pardon.

Read: Trump's Lawyer Giuliani Seeking Pre-emptive Presidential Pardon For Unknown Crimes - Report

While the White House is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday to rubbish the investigation. The outgoing US president criticised the media for "fake news" even though the details of the ongoing investigation surfaced from an official document filed with the district court for the District of Columbia, Washington.

As per The Guardian report, more than 50 digital devices including phones, tablets, laptops, thumb drives and computer drives were seized after investigators raided unidentified offices. 

Read: Julian Assange's Partner Appeals To Trump To Pardon Him

Trump's pardon spree

Earlier this week, the New York Times reported Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to have held a discussion with the US President about the possibility of receiving a pre-emptive pardon. Citing two sources, the report claimed that Giuliani discussed the pardon with Trump as recently as last week and added that there were no immediate details regarding the crimes of which the former New York City mayor allegedly wants to be pardoned. 

Last month, Trump granted a full pardon to former National Security advisor Michael Flynn who was charged with lying to federal investigators conducting the Mueller investigation. In his term as the US President, Trump has pardoned many of his former associates and saved them from serving jail time. Meanwhile, US media has reported that Trump is discussing the possibility of pardoning family members.

Read: As Donald Trump Pardons Flynn, List Of Other Prominent People Who Were Granted Clemency

Read: Donald Trump Plans To Pardon Former National Adviser Michael Flynn - Reports