A months-long review launched by Attorney General William Barr into the origins of the ill-fated Russia investigation, repeatedly denounced by US President Donald Trump as a “hoax” and a “witch hunt,” has been transformed to a criminal inquiry, multiple media outlets reported late Thursday, citing US officials.

The move, if confirmed, would give DOJ officials more leverage in conducting the ever-expanding investigation, such as issuing subpoenas to prospective witnesses and filing criminal charges. It’s yet unclear if the grand jury had been convened in the case, a source told Reuters.

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