NBC News has learned that the probe into the origins of the Russia collusion narrative, which is being conducted by Inspector General William Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham, has been changed from an administrative review into a criminal investigation. The change was first reported by the New York Times.
Designation as a criminal investigation will allow Durham to subpoena witnesses, documents, appoint a grand jury and indict people on criminal charges. It is unclear when the change in designation occurred.
The investigation began in May, and seeks to understand how the Russia collusion probe began and who was involved. The allegations that Trump colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 elections, led to a nearly 3 year long investigation into the matter. The investigation, run by Robert Mueller found no evidence of collusion between Trump and Russia.
