Report: FBI probes U.S. Philanthropic Organisation at Russian Government’s Request

According to some reports, the FBI investigated the MacArthur Foundation, an American philanthropic institution, at the request the Russian government, despite there being no criminal allegations.

Russia requested information from the FBI in 2004 about the Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and its $4.5 million in grants to Ukrainians, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Times Monday

“We would like to ask you to request the U.S. law enforcement authorities to confirm or refute the existence of [this] foundation, and if it exists — confirm the legal nature of transactions whereby the funds were transferred to Ukrainian citizens,” The Russian official wrote to the U.S. government.

The MacArthur Foundation was established in 1970. awarded Over $7.5 billion was granted in support of democracy, criminal justice and journalism. The group was established in 2001. working The foundation was established in the former Soviet Union in 1991. However, it was forced to close in 2015. “undesirable organizations.”

According to the outlet the FBI’s Chicago office met Russia’s request, and the foundation cooperated.

Joshua Mintz, the Macarthur Foundation’s general counsel, confirmed the organization worked with the FBI but was unaware it was ever under investigation.

“In general, we strive to respond to reasonable requests for information from governmental entities that are otherwise publicly available or from other pertinent sources in response to the legal process,” Mintz said. “We responded to a reasonable request from the FBI regarding grants we made, which are public knowledge and included in our tax returns.”

The documents that were not redacted by the U.S. government aren’t clear evidence that the MacArthur Foundation was involved or even suspected of criminal activity.