Justice Department reportedly considers charging Russian officials in DNC hacking
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The U.S. Justice Department reportedly has evidence against six members of the Russian government allegedly involved in the computer hack of the Democratic National Committee.
The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) reports that prosecutors could charge the officials next year, though discussions about the case are in the early stages. Thousands of the DNC emails were published last year by WikiLeaks.
The Journal story is based on anonymous sources familiar with the investigation, which is being conducted separately from the probe by special counsel Robert Mueller. Prosecutors from Washington, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Philadelphia are working on the case.
“The pinpointing of particular Russian military and intelligence hackers highlights the exhaustive nature of the government’s probe,” the Journal reports. “It also suggests the eagerness of some federal prosecutors and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents to file charges against those responsible.”
If charges are brought, there will likely not be any arrests of Russian operatives, the Journal notes. But an indictment could make it more difficult for the defendants to travel.
The Justice Department has been bringing more charges against alleged hackers believed to be working for foreign governments, including five Chinese military officers. The aim is to bring the hacking to light and change behavior, sources tell the Journal.
