The shift opens up several investigative techniques for John Durham, the U.S. attorney from Connecticut who is leading the investigation, reported The New York Times, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Durham would be able to subpoena witnesses, present evidence to a grand jury and file criminal charges, if needed.
Attorney General William Barr tapped Durham earlier in 2019 to lead an inquiry into FBI and CIA intelligence-gathering activities related to the Trump campaign.
Barr said April 10 that he believed “spying” occurred against the Trump campaign. He has also said he does not accept former FBI officials’ explanation about the beginning of the collusion investigation.
