WASHINGTON: US special counsel Robert Mueller has charged at least one person in the sprawling probe over Russian interference in last year’s presidential vote, marking the start of a new judicial phase.

Details of the first charges as well as the target remain unclear at this stage, but CNN confirmed with several sources briefed on the matter that a federal grand jury on Friday had approved them — and arrests could take place as early as Monday. At least one person is in the legal crosshairs, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Mueller, a former FBI director, was tapped in May to head the Russia probe shortly after Trump’s shock sacking of then-FBI director James Comey.

Until then the FBI had been conducting a probe it launched in July 2016.

The sweeping investigation encompasses all Russian attempts to sway the 2016 US presidential election, including possible collusion with members of Donald Trump’s campaign.

The president has denied any collusion with Moscow.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2017