Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election has reached a major turning point, with a federal grand jury approving the first criminal charges in the closely watched investigation.
CNN reported Friday evening that a grand jury in Washington, D.C., approved the charges, which remain sealed under orders from a federal judge.
The identities of those charged and the nature of the alleged crimes have not been disclosed. Sources familiar with the proceedings say anyone facing charges could be taken into custody as early as Monday.
Russia Investigation Reaches a Critical Stage
Mueller, a former FBI director, was appointed special counsel in May after President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.
His investigation is examining Russian interference in the 2016 election, possible coordination between Russian officials and members of Trump's presidential campaign, and matters arising from the investigation.
The inquiry has already examined several prominent Trump associates, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
Neither has been publicly identified as a defendant in the newly reported charges.
Pressure Mounts on the White House
Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations of collusion with Russia and criticized the investigation as politically motivated.
The first criminal charges represent a significant development for Mueller's team, which has conducted much of its work behind closed doors.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the investigation following Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal, would ordinarily be informed of such charges under special counsel procedures.
A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment on Friday's developments.
With the charges still sealed, Washington is left waiting to learn who has been indicted and what alleged criminal conduct prosecutors intend to bring before the courts.
For an investigation that has dominated Washington for months, Friday's developments mark the beginning of a new legal phase — one that could bring the Russia investigation directly into a federal courtroom.