US media is reporting that authorities have dropped their investigation into four-star General John Allen over his role in an alleged illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of Qatar. According to the Associated Press report:
January 31, 2023 AP — The Justice Department has dropped its probe of retired four-star Gen. John Allen for his role in an alleged illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, his lawyer told The Associated Press. Attorney David Schertler said in a statement Tuesday that the Justice Department had informed him that it was closing its investigation of Allen and no charges would be filed. The Justice Department declined to comment but a law enforcement official familiar with the inquiry who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly confirmed the decision on condition of anonymity.
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Qatar has been embroiled in recent influence-buying scandals over allegations it has spent large amounts of money to buy influence in Europe. This includes allegations of bribery and corruption related to the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar and accusations of attempted influence-buying at the European Parliament. Qatar has denied all such claims, and, to date, no charges have been brought in connection with these scandals.
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