The Los Angeles Times reached out to Professor James Cohen for his opinion on the arrests of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two Ukranian businessmen accused of violating campaign finance laws, and what it will mean for Trump Lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
Federal prosecutors and agents are still examining financial dealings involving Giuliani, Parnas and Fruman, according to a U.S. law enforcement official who did not want to be identified discussing the case.
A lawyer for the two men told Congress last month they had assisted in Giuliani’s representation of Trump and have also been “represented by Mr. Giuliani in connection with their personal and business affairs.”
Depending on what they find, Giuliani “could be in some jeopardy here,” said James Cohen, a law professor at Fordham University.
Cohen said federal prosecutors often leverage suspects to provide information about higher-profile suspects, such as Giuliani, who has repeatedly discussed his efforts to influence Ukraine policy on behalf of the president.
“Rudy has a target on his back,” Cohen said.
The three House committees involved in the impeachment inquiry have subpoenaed Parnas and Fruman, and again warned that noncompliance with document requests and deposition orders would be viewed as evidence of obstruction.
The committees also plan to hear from several more current and former diplomats and administration officials.