Democrats in the US Congress are demanding that major banks and ports preserve documents relating to transactions involving Russian diesel, as they prepare for a possible investigation into Donald Trump's arrangements with Moscow.
Source: Axios
Details: A letter dated 24 October was sent to six major banks, including JPMorgan, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, as well as the port authorities of Texas and New York.
The lawmakers are asking them to preserve contracts, shipping documents, vessel records and correspondence with suppliers, intermediaries and US officials. They expect confirmation by Wednesday 28 October.
An investigation will become a priority for Democrats if they regain control of one or both chambers of Congress after the 3 November elections.
The initiative is being led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also signed the letter.
The lawmakers are questioning the legality of the imports and warning that they could help finance Russia's war against Ukraine. The US Treasury Department considers the arrangements legal, while the White House has accused Democrats of focusing on investigations into Trump.
Background : In October, Trump suspended the enforcement of some sanctions and tariffs against Russia that conflicted with his plans to bring Russian diesel to global markets. On 26 October, Reuters reported that Russian refineries had begun increasing diesel production after receiving export quotas.
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