U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. 20535 Janaury 17, 2020 MR. JASON LEOPOLD BUZZFEED NEWS 7TH FLOOR 1630 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW WASHINGTON, DC 20009 FOIPA Request No.: 1432673-000 Civil Action No.: 19-cv-01278 Subject: All 302’s of individuals who were questioned/interviewed by FBI Agents working for the Office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller Dear Mr. Leopold: The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA), Title 5, United States Code, Section 552/552a. Below you will find checked boxes under applicable statutes for the exemptions asserted to protect information exempt from disclosure. The appropriate exemptions are noted on the processed pages next to redacted information. In addition, a deleted page information sheet was inserted to indicate where pages were withheld entirely pursuant to applicable exemptions. An Explanation of Exemptions is enclosed to further explain justification for withheld information. Section 552 Section 552a (d)(5) (b)(1) (b)(7)(A) (b)(2) (b)(7)(B) (j)(2) (b)(3) (b)(7)(C) (k)(1) Federal Rules of (b)(7)(D) (k)(2) Criminal Procedure 6(e) (b)(7)(E) (k)(3) 50 U.S.C § 3024(i) (b)(7)(F) (k)(4) (b)(4) (b)(8) (k)(5) (b)(5) (b)(9) (k)(6) (b)(6) (k)(7) 222 pages were reviewed and 169 pages are being released. Deletions were made by the Department of Justice/Office of Information Policy. To appeal those denials, please write directly to that agency. Please see the paragraphs below for relevant information specific to your request and the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for standard responses applicable to all requests. Document(s) were located which originated with, or contained information concerning, other Government Agency (ies) [OGA]. This information has been referred to the OGA(s) for review and direct response to you. We are consulting with another agency. The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when the consultation is completed. Please refer to the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for additional standard responses applicable to your request. “Part 1” of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all requests. “Part 2” includes additional standard responses that apply to all requests for records on individuals. “Part 3” includes general information about FBI records that you may find useful. Also enclosed is our Explanation of Exemptions. Although your request is in litigation, we are required by law to provide you the following information: You may file an appeal by writing to the Director, Office of Information Policy (OIP), United States Department of Justice, Sixth Floor, 441 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or you may submit an appeal through OIP's FOIA online portal by creating an account on the following website: https://www.foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/home. Your appeal must be postmarked or electronically transmitted within ninety (90) days from the date of this letter in order to be considered timely. If you submit your appeal by mail, both the letter and the envelope should be clearly marked “Freedom of Information Act Appeal.” Please cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified. You may seek dispute resolution services by contacting the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS). The contact information for OGIS is as follows: Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at ogis@nara.gov; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202-741-5769. Alternatively, you may contact the FBI’s FOIA Public Liaison by emailing foipaquestions@fbi.gov. If you submit your dispute resolution correspondence by email, the subject heading should clearly state “Dispute Resolution Services.” Please also cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified. Please direct any further inquiries about this case to the Attorney representing the Government in this matter. Please use the FOIPA Request Number and/or Civil Action Number in all correspondence or inquiries concerning your request. See additional information which follows. Sincerely, David M. Hardy Section Chief Record/Information Dissemination Section Information Management Division Enclosures Additional Information: In response to your Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request, enclosed is a processed copy of Bates Stamped documents, FBI (19-cv-1278)-1440 through FBI (19-cv-1278)-1661. The enclosed documents represent the fourth interim release of information responsive to your request. To minimize costs to both you and the FBI, duplicate copies of the same document were not processed. Revisions were made to withholdings in documents previously released to you. Enclosed is an updated copy of Bates Stamped document FBI (19-cv-1278)-1045. FBI FOIPA Addendum As referenced in our letter responding to your Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request, the FBI FOIPA Addendum includes information applicable to your request. Part 1 of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all requests. Part 2 includes additional standard responses that apply to all requests for records on individuals. Part 3 includes general information about FBI records. For questions regarding Parts 1, 2, or 3, visit the www.fbi.gov/foia website under “Contact Us.” Previously mentioned appeal and dispute resolution services are also available at the web address. Part 1: The standard responses below apply to all requests: (i) 5 U.S.C. § 552(c). Congress excluded three categories of law enforcement and national security records from the requirements of the FOIA [5 U.S.C. § 552(c) (2006 & Supp. IV (2010)]. FBI responses are limited to those records subject to the requirements of the FOIA. Additional information about the FBI and the FOIPA can be found on the www.fbi.gov/foia website. (ii) National Security/Intelligence Records. The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of national security and foreign intelligence records pursuant to FOIA exemptions (b)(1), (b)(3), and PA exemption (j)(2) as applicable to requests for records about individuals [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(1), (b)(3), and (j)(2); 50 U.S.C § 3024(i)(1)]. The mere acknowledgment of the existence or nonexistence of such records is itself a classified fact protected by FOIA exemption (b)(1) and/or would reveal intelligence sources, methods, or activities protected by exemption (b)(3) [50 USC § 3024(i)(1)]. This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that national security or foreign intelligence records do or do not exist. Part 2: The standard responses below apply to all requests for records on individuals: (i) Requests for Records about any Individual—Watch Lists. The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any individual’s name on a watch list pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(7)(E), (j)(2)]. This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that watch list records do or do not exist. (ii) Requests for Records for Incarcerated Individuals. The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records which could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any incarcerated individual pursuant to FOIA exemptions (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and (j)(2)]. This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that such records do or do not exist. Part 3: General Information: (i) Record Searches. The Record/Information Dissemination Section (RIDS) searches for reasonably described records by searching those systems or locations where responsive records would reasonably be found. A reasonable search normally consists of a search for main files in the Central Records System (CRS), an extensive system of records consisting of applicant, investigative, intelligence, personnel, administrative, and general files compiled and maintained by the FBI in the course of fulfilling law enforcement, intelligence, and administrative functions. The CRS spans the entire FBI organization and encompasses the records of FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ), FBI Field Offices, and FBI Legal Attaché Offices (Legats) worldwide and includes Electronic Surveillance (ELSUR) records. For additional information about our record searches visit www.fbi.gov/services/information-management/foipa/requesting-fbi-records. (ii) FBI Records. Founded in 1908, the FBI carries out a dual law enforcement and national security mission. As part of this dual mission, the FBI creates and maintains records on various subjects; however, the FBI does not maintain records on every person, subject, or entity. (iii) Requests for Criminal History Records or Rap Sheets. The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division provides Identity History Summary Checks – often referred to as a criminal history record or rap sheets. These criminal history records are not the same as material in an investigative “FBI file.” An Identity History Summary Check is a listing of information taken from fingerprint cards and documents submitted to the FBI in connection with arrests, federal employment, naturalization, or military service. For a fee, individuals can request a copy of their Identity History Summary Check. Forms and directions can be accessed at www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks. Additionally, requests can be submitted electronically at www.edo.cjis.gov. For additional information, please contact CJIS directly at (304) 625-5590. (iv) The National Name Check Program (NNCP). The mission of NNCP is to analyze and report information in response to name check requests received from federal agencies, for the purpose of protecting the United States from foreign and domestic threats to national security. Please be advised that this is a service provided to other federal agencies. Private citizens cannot request a name check. EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552 (b)(1) (A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (B) are in fact properly classified to such Executive order; (b)(2) related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency; (b)(3) specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld; (b)(4) trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential; (b)(5) inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency; (b)(6) personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; (b)(7) records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information ( A ) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, ( B ) would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication, ( C ) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, ( D ) could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, ( E ) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or ( F ) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual; (b)(8) contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or (b)(9) geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells. SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552a (d)(5) information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding; (j)(2) material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or apprehend criminals; (k)(1) information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy, for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods; (k)(2) investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than criminal, which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or privilege under Federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence; (k)(3) material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant to the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056; (k)(4) required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records; (k)(5) investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence; (k)(6) testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process; (k)(7) material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence. FBI/DOJ FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DELETED PAGE INFORMATION SHEET Civi1.Action No.: 19-cv-1278 19-cv-1626 FOIA: 1432673-000 1433273-000 PDF Title: 19-cv-1278 Release 4 Bates 1440-1661 Total Withheld Pages Bates Page Reference Reason for Withholding exemptions with coded rationale, duplicate, sealed by order of court, etc.) 1480 Referral/Consult 1481 Referral/Consult 1482 Referral/Consult 1483 Referral/Consult 1484 Referral/Consult 1485 Referral/Consult 1486 Referral/Consult 1487 Referral/Consult 1488 Referral/Consult 1489 Referral/Consult 1490 Referral/Consult 1491 Referral/Consult 1492 Referral/Consult 1493 Referral/Consult 1494 Referral/Consult 1495 Referral/Consult 1496 Referral/Consult 1497 Referral/Consult 1498 Referral/Consult 1499 Referral/Consult 1500 Referral/Consult 1501 Referral/Consult 1502 Referral/Consult 1503 Referral/Consult 1504 Referral/Consult Deleted Page(s) No Duplication Fee For this Page Bates Page Reference Reason for Withholding exemptions with coded rationale, duplicate, sealed by order of court, etc.) 1505 Referral Consult 1506 Referral/Consult 1507 Referral/Consult 1508 Referral/Consult 1509 Referral/Consult 1511 Referral/Consult 1512 Referral/Consult 1513 Referral/Consult 1514 Referral/Consult 1528 Referral/Consult 1529 Referral/Consult 1530 Referral/Consult 1531 Referral/Consult 1532 Referral/Consult 1548 Referral/Consult 1549 Referral/Consult 1550 Referral/Consult 1551 Referral/Consult 1552 Referral/Consult 1553 Referral/Consult 1554 Referral/Consult 1555 Referral/Consult 1556 Referral/Consult 1557 Referral/Consult 1558 Referral/Consult 1559 Referral/Consult 1646 b3: b6; b7C: b7E 1647 b3: b6: b7C: b7E Deleted Page (3) No Duplication Fee For this Page (Rm. [us?nun} Interview of Stephen Miller .On lOfBleOlpage one, however, was Miller?s. Miller could not specifically recall the details of the editing process, but believed when he met with Trump for breakfast, Trump had already made the edits to the letterl I b5 Per b5 Per DOJKOIP At some point on Sunday, Miller spoke to Priebus on the phone and alluded to the fact that Trump had been thinking about the ?Comey situation? and there would be an important discussion on Monday. #5 Per [Miller felt it was okay to give Priebus a heads up something was coming so he was not blindsided. The situation with Comey was kept close holdl b5 Per Trump was editing the letterl Miller did not discuss the letter or the decision to fire Comey b5 Per DOJKOIP 1 Of 1 Dnteofentn? 09f05f2018 (U) On 07fl3f2018 Special Agents Iandl with Assistant Special Counsel Aaron Zelinsky participated in an attorney proffer with Counsel forl I and ?The notes are attached as a 1A. 07f13f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} Filett.E Date dra?ed 08f27f2018 by This doeument contains neither nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pl?OpCl?l}' of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its eontents are not to be distributed outside your agency. b6 b6 (Rev. -1 of 8- Dnteefentn? 10f2lf2018 (U) On 08f02f2018 Special Agentl llntelligence Analyst I I FBI Linguist] I Assistant Special Counsel Aaron Zelinsky and Senior Assistant Special Counsel Jeannie Rhee interviewed PETR AVEN (AVEN) at the ecial Counsel?s Office in Washington, DC. counsel, Ryan and Iwere present. ASC Zelinksy admonished AVEN that the interview was voluntary, the proffer agreement was based on truthfulness, AVEN could speak to his attorneys at anytime, and lying to a Federal Agent is a crime. After being advised of the identities of the interviewing officials and after reviewing the proffer agreement, in the presence of his attorneys, executed the proffer agreement, whereupon he provided the following information: b6 b5 per b3 b5 per DOJIOIP 03f02f2018 EH Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} File by Dmemmkd 08509/2018 This deetinient neither nor conclusions efthe FBIloaned to year agency: it and its ee-ntents are net to be distributed outside your agency. b6 h5 per DOJIOIP b6 b6 Interview Of Petr Even .On OBKUEKEUIB img per (U) EVEN met with OFFICIAL 1 three to four times last year] b5 par par DOJIOIP b6 b7C b7D b6 b7F b6 DOJIOIP DOJIOIP hG b?F DOJIOIP b6 b7F b5 per DOJKOIP b6 n5 per h? b7F 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} Interview Of Petr Aven .On 08f02f2018 .Hmc 3 Of 8 b5 per DOJXOIP b6 h5 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 I I ?15 per DOJJOIP 136 we hit]: b7F (U) EVEN and OFFICIAL 1 usually meet once per quarter. 1'35 Per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP 136 I370. h5 per b3 136 hi?: (Rm: Communion 0F (if (U) Interview of Petr Aven oamzmme img 4 Of 8 b5 per DOJKOIP per DOJIOIP b6 b7D b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJKOIP b3 b6 h7F b5 per DOJXGIP b6 b7: b5 per DOJXGIP b6 190-302;: (Rm. mans-m} Interview Of Petr Aven .On 03f02f2018 5 of 8 ng b5 per DOJIOIP 1:71: I b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b?C b7D b5 per DOJIOIP b6 (U) During the 4th quarter of 2016, AUEN was aware of the media discussions of Russian interference in the U.S. Election. I b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJXOIP b6 (Rm: ConlinuztlionoFFD-??lof (U) Interview Of Petr Aven .On 03f02f2018 6 of 8 ng (U) OFFICIAL I never mentioned specifics and never mentioned interference in the U.S. Election. b5 Per DOJKOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP 1:16 I I OFFICIAL was skeptical EVEN could succeed. b5 per DOJKOIP (U) EVEN took steps to make this happen by talking to BURT and expressinq his desire to build relationships with the Administration. b6 I I I Luxembourg, Ll?s board I 13711 I [During a breakJr AVEN spoke with BURTI b5 per DOJKOIP b3 b6 (Rm. ruins-m} (U) Interview Of Petr Aver} .011 OBKDEKEOIB .1?ngc l? Of 8 b5 per DOJIOIP b3 b6 b5 per DOJIOIP December 2014 attended the Oligarch meeting with OFFICIAL I h5 per b6 The meeting occurs in the Kremlin and the attendee list is 50 people.[ b5 per DOJIOIP (U) Quarter meeting of 201? with OFFICIP-L 1 I be OFFICIAL I asked if nag oeen succeSSIUI in his struggie against sanctions. EVEN said he had no communications with the TRUMP Campaign. (Rm: CommunionoFFD-??lof (U) Interview Of Petr Aven .On 03f02f2018 8 of 8 ng b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJXOIP b6 b7C b?D AVEN relaved to OFFICIAL 2 that he was subooenaedl b5 Per DOJKOIP b5 WEN also told OFFICIAL A that the FBI asked him about setting up a back?o?annel and if AVEN represented the Kremlin in setting up the back?channel. OFFICIAL 2 showed no emotion AVEN fhounht 2 did not care too much. h5 per b6 b?C (Rev. -1 of l- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date ofcutn- 10f01f2018 8/2x?2018, the Special Counsel's Office interviewed Petr EVEN. During the interivew, AVEN referred tol lthe :in identities of which he had provided to his attorneys. On 8f3f2018, AVEN's attornev Rvan Junck provided in which he confirmed the Ias provided to him by EVEN. A copy of Columbia, United States Other [m-cstigationon 08/?03512018 :11 b6 meg Dutcdm?cd 10f01f2018 137E This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. it is the propeitjt' of the FBI and is lonned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. . -1 of 2- (Rev. FEDERAJJBUREAIJOFINVESTHGATHDN Mrehae; Cohen, daLe o: was ;nLerv;ewed Ln Lhe Law o5 PeLriLLo Boxer 555 3rd ?ve, New York, New York. Cohen was accompanred by his attorneys, Guy Amy resLer, and PhiLLp PiLmar. PartLeipaLing Ln Lhe LnLervLew were SpeeLa; ?genL (SE) I land Senro: n33;sLanL Speera; Counse; Andrew So;dsLe;n. n;so present were UnLLed SLaLes ALLorney (AUSA) and AUSA from Lhe SouLhern o: New York; Sn and Iron Lhe New York o: Lhe and SE ?rom Lhe rnterna; Revenue Serv;ee. nrte: being adv;sed o: the LdenL;Ly o; the LnLervLewLng agenL and the nature oi the LnLervLew, Cohen provided Lhe Zo;;ow;ng ;nZormaL;onPer 10f08f2018 EH New York, New York, United States {In Person) Fillet-.5 I DEIIC dl'EI?Cd l?flO?I/z?l? m'l This deeumcnt neither sue-r conclusions oftiae FBI. [1 is the pl?OpCi?l}' of the FBI and is loaned te- agency95mm. Enema b6 DOJIOIP DOJIOIP DOJIOIP DOJXOIP DOJKOIP DOJKOIP DOJIOIP DOJKOIP b6 to be distributed e-titstde your agency. FBK 1 9W1 2:13} 1450 (U) Interview of Michael D. Cohen (10.08.2018) _On lomemme Per Per Per DOJKOIP b6 b7C DOJKGIP DOJKOIP DOJIOIP DOJKGIP b6 DOJKOIP DOJIOIP DOJIOIP b5 Per DOJKOIP (Rev. -l of 18- Dateofentn? llfl?UZUlB On Wednesday, 17 October 2018, Robert FORESMAN was interviewed in a conference room at Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher?s Washington, DC office, l050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20036. From the Special Counsel?s Office were Senior Assistant Special Counsel Jeannie Rhee, Senior Assistant Special Counsel L. Rush Atkinson, FBI Special Agentl I and FBI Supervisory Intelligence Analyst[ I From Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher?s were land an associate attorney. From UBS was lnoted on her business b6 card asl b5 per DOJKOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 lnt'esiiguiionon 10f17f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} File?r'l I Dntedra?ed 105223?2018 b6 by I This doeuntent contains neither nor conclusions oflhe FBI. [1 is the pnopeny of the FBI and is loaned to }'ous' agency: it and its eontents are not to be distributed outside your agency. FBK 19ml 278)- 1452 (Rm: (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 2 of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJKOIP 1 b5 per 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} Interview Of Foresman lOfleEOlB .1?ngc 3 Of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJKOIP b5 per DOJKOIP b6 ROSCONGRESS and Anton KOBYAKOV b5 per DOJKOIP (Rm: CommunionoFFD-??lof (U) Interview Of 3013? Foreaman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 4 of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per b6 b5 per DOJKOIP FORESMAN was going to pass along to the campaign an invitation from KOBYAKOV to then?candidate Donald TRUMP to speak at the SPIEFI b5 per DOJIOIP 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} Communion 0F (if (U) Interview of Bob Foresman lOfleEOlB .1?ngc 5 Of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per b6 135 per b5 per DOJIOIP (Rm: Communion 0F (if (U) Interview of Bob Foresman lOfleEOlB .1?ngc 6 Of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DDJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP b6 b5 per DOJIOIP 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} Communion 0F (if (U) Interview of Bob Foresman lOfleEOlB .1?ngc 7 Of 18 b5 per DOJKOIP b5 per DOJXGIP b5 per b6 (Rm: (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 8 of 18 h5 per DOJKOIP When foreign policy team was announced in March 2016, FORESMAN did not recognize any of the names. b5 per DOJKOIP b6 155 per DOJIOIP Ihe was trying to get a meeting with the candidate. 135 per DOJKOIP b6 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} Interview Of Foresman .On 10517/2013 Jm? 9 of 18 b5 per DOJXOIP ml was trying to get an in-person meeting; I I FORESMEN said that he wanted to tell TRUMP not to go to SPIEF, b5 per b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per b6 h5 per b5 per DOJIOIP (Rm: Communion 0F (if (U) 1 Interview of Bob Foresman .On lOfleEOlB ng 10 of 18 h5 per DOJKOIP b6 b5 er DOJ/orp b5 per b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJXGIP b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} I I (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jung; ll of 18 b5 per DOJKOIP 136 II I I Hi?: b5 per DOJKOIP I b6 b7: b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJKOIP b6 h5 per DOJKOIP (Rm: Communion 0F (if (U) Interview of Bob Foresman lOfleEOlB .1?ngc per DOJIOIP I?l be I I b5 per DOJIOIP :1 b6 H5 per DOJXOIP 136 1371?. h5 per I b6 I 157*: 190-302;: (Rm. [us?nun} I Interview Of Foresman .On 10517/2013 .Wmc 13 of 18 I b5 per DOJKOIP b6 b5 per DOJKOIP :per DOJIOIP I: be b5 per DOJIOIP b6 I I h5 per (Rm: (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 14 of 18 b5 per DOJKOIP b6 b5 per b5 per DOJIOIP per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJKOIP Fo-mza (Rm. mans-m} CommunionoFFD-??lof (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 15 of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per DOJIOIP In Moscow, FORESMAN met with GORKOV and TSEKHOMSKYper DOJIOIP GORKOV and TSEKHOMSKY told FORESMEN that their upcoming trip to the United States had been authorized or sanctioned by PUTIN, and that they were briefing PUTIN upon their return. 1 b5 per DOJXOIP (Rm: I I CommunionoE?FD-??lof (U) Interview Of 3013? Foreaman .011 10517/2013 Jung; 16 of 18 b5 per DOJIOIP ooRKov and upcomino trip to the United States, I 135 Per DOJKGIP was an effort tol I [dialogue about the improvement of US?Russia economic ties. b5 per b5 per DOJKOIP h? b?C First Meeting with Michael b5 per DOJIOIP b5 per be (Rm. (15-11240; Interview Of Foresman .On 10517/2013 .Wmc per DOJIOIP IJGRESMAN had not met KISLYAK, and said that while KISLYAK is an imbortant person, he does not have a direct line to PUTIN. b5 per b5 per DOJIOIP Second Meeting with Michael and RMF- ECO-00000015 While in Moscow, I b5 per DOJIOIP FORESMAN reached out to? I be I I said that USHAKOV would be the official channel for the incoming US national security adviser. b5 per DOJIOIP This information fronl Ihas what FORESMAN had that was important to be convev back to I b7: eventually he got a one?on?one meetinq. (Rm: I (U) Interview Of 3013? Foresman .011 10517/2013 Jungper DOJIOIP b6 b7: b5 per DDJIOIP I 1 136 we 1 Of 4 Dwedrmn' 06f20f2017 (U) On or about 06f09f201? Special Agent[ land Special b5 Denis Klimentov (Klimentov), DOB b7: in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection secondary inspection area located in Terminal of the John F. Kennedy International Airport. CBP vicinity, but did not participate in the interview. (U) Upon introducing himself, Klimentov if he would b6 be willing to meet with the agents at some other time during his stay b7: in the U.S. because the secondary inspection area was not the best place to have a conversation. he could buy Klimentov dinner and he and the agents could talk at that time. Klimentov stated not have to buy him dinner, but said meeting would not be a problem. Klimentov said he was leaving on Monday and he would be staying in Katonah, New Yorkvisit and planned to spend most of his time (U) Klimentov then asked if this meeting was something he had to do. SA said it was. Klimentov said he had nothing to hide. SA told Klimentov he wanted to talk about the New Economic 55 School and Carter Page (Page). Klimentov a b7: copy of a CNN news article titled "Russia Tried to Use Trump Advisers to Infiltrate Campaign" in which Klimentov was quoted. (U) Klimentov said he was staying withl I 136 I IDuring the interview, ch SAI lasked if Klimentov had someone waiting to pick him up, and stated the agents did not want to keep anyone waiting. Klimentov said he was renting a vehicle. (U) After being advised of the nature of the interview and the identity of the interviewing agents Klimentov provided the following information: (U) Klimentov was not employed by NES during the time in which the school would have been conducting a search for candidates to speak at 06109;?2017 at New York, New York, United States (In Person} Ir?ilett.E Date dra?ed 06f09f2017' b3 b6 m' This document contains neither nor conclusions oflhe FBI. [1 is the ptepeny of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its eontents are not to be distributed outside your agency. F31 1 90.! 1 2 78)? 1 4? b3 Nil-302:1 (Rm: 05-0340} Interview of Denis Klimentov .On 06f09f201? 2 of 4 its 2016 commencement ceremony, but Klimentov was in the process of negotiating with N65 for his position of employment. Klimentov began working for NES in the fall of 2016. As an employee of N65, Klimentov works most closely with the NES rector, Shlomo Weber. Formerly, Klimentov was employed at the Eurasia Foundation in Washington, D.C. (U) Based on what he knew about the selection process for the 201? commencement speaker, the decision to invite Page in 2016 was likely made by a committee of five to six people including Weber, a provost, and an individual from the finance department. NES did not have to seek approval from its board of directors to invite Page, nor did it have to obtain approval from the Russian government. Klimentov believed Page may have been considered as a candidate based on input from Weber andfor from a U.S. based member of an WES alumni club. (U) Weber invited Rlimentov to attend the July 2016 NES commencement ceremony. Though Klimentov was not an official employee, Weber wanted Klimentov to attend the event. Referring to Page, Weber told Klimentov that NES had an interesting character coming in. Klimentov attended the ceremony and even arrived early on the day of event. (U) Klimentov stated when Russians learned of Page?s involvement in the Trump Campaign in March 2016, the excitement was palpable. During Page?s trip to Russia, Russians asked Page many questions. They wanted to know about U.S. sanctions against Russia and wanted his predictions regarding U.S.-Russia relations. Page made it clear he was in Russia as a private citizen and not part of the Trump Campaign. Late in the summer of 2016, Page informed NES that he was taking a leave of absence from his involvement in the Trump Campaign. And, when Page returned to Russia in December 2016, Page made his status with respect to the Trump Campaign clear. Klimentov stated Page deserves credit for doing soany meetings between Page and Russian government officials. Klimentov did not know of any extensive meetings between Russian government officials and Page in July 2016. Klimentov noted some NES alumni are Russian government officials and Page could have had contact with them at the commencement ceremony. Klimentov added, outside of business hours, no one at NES would have known about Page?s activities. However, Klimentov did not think Page would have had time to meet with anyone. Klimentov believed Page was in Russia for two and a half days during his July 2016 trip. Page spent one day at WES before the commencement ceremony meeting with people at the school and was present the next day for the ceremony itself. The commencement ceremony was a busy all?day event and it was unlikely any I b3 Fo-mza (Rm. (15-11240) Interview of Denis Klimentov .On 06f09f201? .Wmc 3 of 4 meaningful conversations occurred. Klimentov did not know if Page met with any Russian government officials in December 2016. (U) In regards to meetings with specific individuals, Klimentov did not know of any meeting between Page and Arkady Dvorkovich (Dvorkovich) and did not think they met. On occasion, Klimentov sees Dvorkovich at events. Recently, the two had contact at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. (U) Elimentov said there was no meeting between Alexei Kudrin (Kudrin) and Page. Klimentov described Rudrin?s status as a government official as a "grey area." Furthermore, Klimentov had no knowledge of a meeting between Igor Sechin (Sechin) and Page. If a meeting between Sechin and Page had occurred, Elimentov believed Page would have told everyone. However, Klimentov stated information about a Sechin?Page meeting in the summer of 2016 was floated by the media. (U) According to Klimentov, Page requested to meet with the NES Board of Directors, however, the meeting did not happen. Klimentov described NES as Dvorkovich?s special project. Rlimentov said NES exists to bring western-style thinking to Moscow. He also thought Dvorkovich was western-leaning and progressive. NOTE: Dvorkovich is identified as a member of the NES Board of Directors on its website.] (U) Page?s December 2016 trip to Russia was not driven by NES. Page wanted NES to host the event, but the school did not have adequate space to do so. Once news of the event spread, phones at NES were ringing off the hook. Rossiya?Segodny held the event at their offices. Page contacted Rossiya-Segodny on his own and Rossiya-Segodny jumped on the idea as a result of the huge interest surrounding Page. During the December 2016 trip, Page wanted to hold a press conference and requested Shlomo Weber to introduce him. Weber did so. (U) Page does not have an ongoing relationship with NES, but he tried to create one. For example, Page wanted to teach at NES and he was writing a paper to promote the school. Additionally, Page discussed creating a think tank with NES. Page said he would try to bring funds to NES and told NES he talked with some people in Washington, D.C. There was no discussion that the Russian government would provide funding to Page for the think tank. On one occasion, Klimentov met with Page in New York to discuss Page's ability to bring funding to NEE. (U) NES does not receive funding from the Russian government and the school is in financial need. The U.S. sanctions against Russia are having an impact on the school's ability to raise funds. Nonetheless, b3 Interview of Denis Klimentov .On 4 of 4 ng Klimentov believes things are changing. Klimentov wants NES to approach western donors such as the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation. (U) Page and Shlomo Weber met in July and December of 2016. I b6 (U) Personally, Klimentov's last contact with Page was a couple weeks prior to the date of the present interview. Page sends Klimentov updates on his coverage in the news media. For example, Page sent Klimentov a link to a CNBC interviewfarticle featuring himself. Klimentov believes Page has been caught up in a bad situation or nightmarish scenario. He does not think Page did anything wrong. Furthermore, Klimentov does not think Page was a conduit between the Russian government and the Trump Campaign. Klimentov said Trump barely knew Page. Klimentov added he did not think Page looked like a politician. (U) Klimentov indicated he would be willing to meet with the agents on one of his future trips to the U.S. Klimentov visits the U.S. every few I He provided his U.S. telephone number he as followsq I b7: 1 Of 2 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 3 Date ofentn- 12f05f2018 DMITRI KLIMENTOVEKLIMENTOV), date Of birth (DOB) telephone] I was interviewed at his residence,] After being advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents and the nature of the interview, RLIMENTOV provided the following information: RLIMENTOV is in the public relations and consulting business. He has extensive contacts with officials and others in Russia. RLIMENTOV knows about CARTER PAGE (PAGE) from the media and "experience." KLIMENTOV has not met PAGE. When asked to explain what he meant by ?experience", RLIMENTOV advised that his brother DENIS (DENIS was interviewed by the FBI two times regarding PAGE. The KLIMENTOE brothers arranged media coverage for PAGE in Moscow, Russia during visit a few years ago. KLIMENTOV said they would have done this for a visitor from the Clinton campaign also. PAGE traveled to Moscow in or around June or July 2016. PAGE went to Russia and spoke at commencement for the RESH school {an economic school in Russia). The Dean of RESH is Shlomo Weber. invitation to the commencement happened supposedly close to PAGE and tried to push PAGE to be introduced to Russian officials. RLIMENTOV stated that he and DENIS KLIMENTOV thought it would be a good idea to set up meetings with a potential future foreign policy advisor to TRUMP and the Russian Foreign Ministry. RLIMENTOV recalls contacting MARIA ZAKHAROVA, via Facebook, who is a public relations representative and head of the Information Department in Russia?s Foreign Ministry. ZAKHAROUA previously worked as a Press Secretary at the Russian Mission in New York. KLIMENTOV also contacted DMITRY PESKOV about PAGE traveling to Moscow to see if PESKOV wanted to introduce PAGE to any Russian Officials. There was no interest in meeting with PAGE. Many people did not know who PAGE was, and others believed he was not of importance. KLIMENTOV recalled there was email communication with PESROV stating PAGE was not high?level enough to meet. RLIMENTOV is close with PESKOV and has contact with him approximately three or four times per month. lni'csiigttiionon 11f27f2018 Katonah, New York, United States (In Person} File if I I Date dra?This document contains neither nor conclusions oftnc FBI. [1 is the pl?OpCl1}' of the FBI and is loaned to your agency. it and its contents are not b6 b6 b3 b6 to be distributed outside your agency. FBI 1 9W 1 2 78)- 1 4?4 (Rev. Interview of Dmitri Klimentov .On llf2Tf20lB me 2 of 2 DENIS KLIMENTOV told KLIMENTOV that while PAGE was in Russia, he tried to keep his connections to the Trump Campaign quiet and that the trip was in a personal capacity. KLIMENTOV was skeptical of PAGE and did not believe that PAGE was really that important. No meetings between PAGE and any Russian Officials occurred. DENIS KLIMENTOV told KLIMENTOV that PAGE may have shook hands in passing with First Vice Premier ARRADY DVORKOVICH. KLIMENTOV was not sure if this was on July trip or his December trip to Moscow. RLIMENTOV did not know if PAGE met DPORKOPICH again. RLIMENTOV was not involved in helping DENIS KLIMENTOV set up media for December trip, but RLIMENTOV provided his media contacts to DENIS KLIMENTOV. KLIMENTOU did not believe PAGE met with IGOR SECHIN. KLIMENTOV did not think the meeting would have occurred because SECHIN is the number two person in Russia. KLIMENTOV has never heard of or met SERGEY b5 I RLIMENTOV was shown a copy of an 07f06f2016 email exchanged between KLIMENTOV, DENIS KLIMENTOV and PESKOV. KLIMENTOV recalled the email. DENIS KLIMENTOV sent it to PESKOV and KLIMENTOV got the response. There was a followup email to this one and it advised no one knew of PAGE. KLIMENTOV went to his computer and printed out a copy. He provided it to the interviewing Agents. BY: DH lE-l?-E?ll?l -1 of 2- SEessI?Z?osegn: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (Rev. Date Olf18f2018 DOCUMENT RESTRICTED TO CASE PARTICIPANTS This document contains information that is restricted to case participants. On 8f15f2017, SA Iinterviewed Andrej Krickovic at San Francisco International Airport. himself and explained b6 the nature of the interview as pertaining to Krickovic?s interactions with b7: Carter Page at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. Krickovic said that he could not talk long since he would soon board a flight to :3 I Krickovic planned to write for his work at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) as well. Krickovic told he was expecting to have talked with the FBI b5 sooner. Krickovic said that one of his colleagues was interviewed by FBI b7: personnel in 2017. Krickovic explained that he first met Page while Krickovic was an intern at US Embassy Moscow. Krickovic said that Page worked for Merrill at the time. Krickovic and Page had a mutual acquaintance who was a US Defense Attache at the US Embassy in Moscow,[ I b6 Krickovic said that Shlomo Weber was looking for a high?profile speaker for the 2016 Commencement speech for the HSE to give the school more exposure. Weber was aware that Page was working for the Trump campaign at the time and Shlomo thought this would attract more attention to the HSE. Krickovic described Pagel Iwho was not able to provide a b5 coherent presentation during an event at HSE. Page had a presentation on b7: Iraq and energy policy which was poorly received by HSE faculty. Krickovic said that Page embarrassed Krickovic by discussing themes which were on: l.4{b) Derived Securi ?on SCG assify On: 204212 WEE/morons: lm-csugn?onon 08f15f2017 at San Francisco, California, United States (In Person} File?fl 08f22rf201? b6 This document contains neither recommendatimts nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pmpeny of the FBI and is lettned to your agency: it and its contents are not to be distributed outside yetn' agency. F811: 1 909']. 2:113)- 1436 (Rev. Continuationc-FFD-B?lof Interview of Andrej Krickovic. .011 08f15f2017? .1?21gc 2 of 2 considered propaganda and not based on fact. Krickovic said, don?t think much is there," when referring to Page?s trip to Moscow to visit HSE. Page told Krickovic that television show Vice News wanted to do an interview with Page in May or June 201?. b6 Krickovic has a Russian cell phone number land a Whatsapp b5 account which uses this same number. Krickovic often stays withl I b7: Krickovic stated that is available to meet with FBI agents for a more detailed interview upon his return to the US in December 2017 or April 2018 when Krickovic will likely attend a political science conference; on or about April 14, 2018. WM NSI-CC- I 1373 on 12-10-2019 573 -l of 2- Wren:? FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (Rev. Date ofenu'y lUf20f2Dl7 DOCUMENT RESTRICTED TO CASE PARTICIPANTS This document contains information that is restricted to case participants. This information is the property of the FBI and may be distributed to state, tribal, or local government law enforcement officials with a need?to?know. Further distribution without FBI authorization is prohibited. Precautions should be taken to ensure this information is stored andfor destroyed in a manner that precludes unauthorized access. On October 19, 2017, SSBI Icontacted K.T. McFarland by b3 telephone and left messages at her homeI I and on her cell b5 phonel I McFarland returned SSAI rs call from her cell phone, saying she was on the street in Manhattan, on her way to meet a I Iwho was a former FBI employee recommended {UH-sees;? ssal Itold McFarland that I 1:3 136 McFarland explained that[ 1 b3 b6 I SSBI Itold McFarland that as assify On: 10f19f2017 EH Washington, District Of Columbia, United States {Phone} nm#I I Dmemmkd lDfl9f2DlT b6 by I I This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions eflhe FBI. [1 is the pmpeny of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its contents are not 10 be disu-ibnled oulside yom' agate}; 1 278} 1 4 8 FD-rmza (Rev. 05-03-10} b7E Emmi/m (Um FLT. McFarland telephone CommunionuFFD-??luf canversation .On 10f19f2017' .F?ngc 2 Of 2 I33 McFarland said she would be back in contact Twith I b3 b6 WEI-rem ?ier. --: 3-: -. FEBERAL HNVESTEGATEQN .tetViewed telephonieeliv by the Office of :eeciel - - b6 hington; D.U- Preseit at the intetv1ew Fete b7: ieentity of the interviewing Agent and the nature of 0 'ed the Eeilewing infermation: telephoeie interview was eeinc conducted euteuant to 1 Patten Ftated thatl b6 Patten etated that he may have Columbia, United Ttatee {Phone} i-?iic 4'1 119 be This; autumn: cumming neither rcceanmcn?ntious nurusamtusiws arms; FEE. ii isihc 0f the 5'8} and is ioaucd is 3.1313! agncy: i1 and lie:- contents- arc tat-E hahcdi??bukdtum?dC3anagcnr nimgmm you? '1 Of 3' FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION team} 3 b6 Dateofentry? 10f3lf2018 William Samuel Patten, was interviewed at the Office of the Special Counsel in Washington, D.C. The interviewers were FBI Special Agentl land Assistant Special Counsels (ASE) Andrew Weissmann and Jeannie S. Rhee. Present representing Patten was attorney Stuart Sears. After being advised of the identities of the interviewers and the nature of the interview, Patten provided the following information: Patten posted a statement about his guilty plea on his restricted FaceBook page. Patton believes that Patten reviewed aI ItoI I Iregarding travel information. Patten does not know whyI I Yanukovych referred to Paul Manafort and his consultantsI I I I Patten came to the Ukraine to assist with the snap elections. Patten worked forI Iin the interests of the Opposition Bloc. After Patten entered his guilty plea, I Iwrote Patton saying that all of Patten's work was for the Opposition Bloc,I I Patten had not met Manafort before this travel to Kyiv.I I I Patten had worked for Yushchenko?s party in Ukraine?s 2007 Parliamentary elections. lntestigutionon 09f06f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} WWI I Date drafted 09f06f2018 I This doeumeut contains neither reeonnuendutious nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pnoperty of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its eontents are not b6 b6 b7A b6 to be distributed outside your agency. 1 9,3,1 2?8)?1515 (Rm: UNCLASSI Interview of William Samuel Patten 09?06'2018 .On 09f06f2018 .F?ngc 2 Of 3 Patten reviewed a to Patten. While in Kyiv, PattenI I Gates and Manafort. They ran parallel campaigns but there was very little coordination. Patten sent his materials through Patten does not know if the materials were shown to Manafort or Rick Gates. Patten prepared his materials based upon publicly available information. Manafort was the big idea guy while Gates was the operations guy. Manafort stayed at the hotel most of the time and did not often come to the office. Patten reviewed a land Manafort thatI Iforwarded to Patten. Patten understood thatI I PP was Petro Poroshenko, the President of the Ukraine, who had come out of the elections weaker than expected. Patten reviewed a Ibetween Patten andI I Iwas editing Patten'sI I Iis an oligarch. Patten would describe an regarding ?my edits. oligarch as someone with economic and political power. I I Patten reviewed al that had been forwarded to Patten byI for Davis Manafort. Former Party of Regions members felt that they were being politically persecuted. I Iprobably sent it to Patten for ideas on how to get coverage of the issue. I might have been for a proposed press tour to get media coverage. Patten reviewed a Ibetween Patten and b6 b6 b6 b?h b6 two-302;: (Rm. (15-11240; (Missed) Interview of William Samuel CommunionoFFD-??luf Patten 09?06'2018 .On .F?ngc Patten did not report his work or contact under PARA. Patten reviewed a [in response to a news article that Patten had sent him 106 1337?; Patten reviewed a e-mail chain between Patten and other people at the BGR Group. Patten wrote the newsletter and BGR sent it out. Patten included the PARA disclaimer language because he assumed that BGR distributed the newsletter to U.S. Government officials. r'o-aiutucx-o-x-toy 1 Of 1 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Dwedewn' UEK22F2018 On or around 5f31f2018 at 6:30 PM, SA went to the residence 1?5 of WILLIAM SAMUEL PATTEN. PATTEN welcomed into his home and handed SAI lhis iPhone. The iPhone was unlocked I 53' lused his DOJ-iasued iPhone to photograph Images ofl are attached here in a 1A. lme??anml D5f31f2018 EHI lUnited States (In Person} Filc?l I Dotedra?ed 061'213?2018 b3 b6 I I we This doeumeut contains neither reeonnuendutious nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the piopeity of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its eontents are not to be distributed outside your agency. FBI 1 9W1 278)? 1 5 1 8 1 Of 1 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Dateofentry' 09f26f2018 On 9119f2018 at 12:15 PM, WILLIAM SAMUEL PATTEN's counsel, Stuart Sears sent SSAI a PDF containing screenshots of what appears to be b6 I The PDF wasl and PATTEN b7: I The PDF of these screenshots is attached here as a 1A. lm'esiigotionon 09f19f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States {Email} b3 meg Datednu?cd 09f26f2018 b6 b4 eve 137E This doeument contains neither nor conclusions oflhe FBI. [1 is the pnopeny of the FBI and is loaned Io your agency: it and its contents are not to be distribulcd outside your agency. FBK lg?fl 278)? 15 19 (Rev. -l of 8- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date ofentt'y 07f19f2017 (U) Anatoli Samochornov, date of birth I telephone numberI I was interviewed at his residence located atl I I New York 10989 by Special Agents: I After being advised of the identity of the interviewing agents and the nature of the interview, Samochornov provided the following information: (U) Samochornov told the interviewing agents he had some scotch before they arrived at his house. [agent note: The agents observed a half-full glass of scotch on the table beside Samochornov.] (U) Samochornov planned to retain legal counsel and wanted an opportunity to talk with the Special Counsel. Prior to the interviewing agents? arrival, Samochornov made an appointment to meet with an attorney, Iaddressl Itelephone Ion July 13, 20l7, at 9:30am. The meeting was to be an initial consultation. Samochornov had not yet Samochornov was not sure if he should speak with an attorney before talking with the interviewing agents. Samochornov did not think he had any liability with respect to the meeting between Natalia Veselnitskaya and Donald Trump Jr. Samochornov said he would be open with the interviewing agents and indicated he would stop the interview if he was uncomfortable. Samochornov had nothing to hide, but he did not want to cause any problems for himself interviewing agents informed Samochornov that he did not have to speak with them and that he could seek legal representation prior to moving forward with the interview. (U) [Agent notezl was present for the initial minutes of the interview, but left uponl Ireguest. She was an employee of the I Isaid she did not have a security clearance. Given the relevant news stories of the dayn her supervisor been involved in the meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and Natalia Veselnitskaya. to the interview and requested the agents show their credentials. Prior to beginning the interview the agents identified themselves verbally and feaste- lnt'esiigttiion on 07/1 12f2017 at Fileii I I Date dra?ed OTfl3f201T I New York, United States (In Person) by I I This doetintent contains neither i'eeotmnendntions nor conclusions oflne FBI. [1 is the pnopeny of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its eontents are not to be distributed outside your agency. b6 b6 b6 b3 b6 b3 FD-Tmza (Rev. 05?03-10} CmummMmu?FDJ?lm?(U} Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .On OTf12f20lT .?mc 2 of 8 provided their business cards to Samochornov, but did not display their credentials.] (U) Samochornov informed the interviewing agents he was involved in b5 civil litigation with Natalia Ueselnitskaya that was linked in some aspect to William Browder. Samochornov that the interviewing agents were not concerned about Samochornov's involvement in the civil litigation. Samochornov stated Browder was known to go after people who opposed him and Samochornov was worried about Browder?s clout. Samochornov believed Browder was feeding information to Senator Chuck Grassley. Browder identified Samochornov as a lobbyist for HRAGIF, but Samochornov said he was not a lobbyist. (U) Samochornov believed Browder was the underlying issue with respect to the civil litigation Samochornov was hired to provide translation finterpretation services for. Browder played dirty and Samochornov recommended the interviewing agents look into him. Samochornov told the agents about Browder?s role in influencing the United States Attorney?s Office to initiate the civil litigation Veselnitskaya later became involved in. Samochornov also described Browder's role in implementing the Magnitsky Rct. Samochornov believed Browder improperly influenced these events and questioned how he got away with it. (U) [Agent note: Over the course of the interview, it became apparent the civil litigation Samochornov referred to at the beginning, and would continue to reference throughout, was United States of America v. Prevezon Holdings Ltd, et al. (hereinafter the "civil (U) Samochornov performed translationfinterpretation services as an independent contractor. Formerly he worked a b6 partnership atl I Samochornov had not worked for b7: the Russian government or any Russian political party. Samochornov had no Russian clients. He lost business as a translator/interpreter as a result of the United States? sanctions on Russia. Prior to the sanctions being implemented, Samochornov had a lot of work with banks and government entities. (U) Samochornov described Veselnitskaya as a "chance client." He was introduced to her Itelephone numberl I b5 email address I I let the time of Samochornov?s introduction to Veselnitskaya in October 2015, Samochornov had knownl ISamochornov was hired by Veselnitskaya to help with depositions in the above-referenced civil litigation. Samochornov said Veselnitskaya also used other b3 ED-mzn {Re-.2 {35-0340} 1371!. b7E CmummMmu?FDJ?lm?(U} Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .On 07fl2f2017 .?mc 3 of 8 translatorsfinterpreters. Samochornov did not know how b5 b7c known Veselnitskaya. (U) Samochornov worked with veselnitskaya in the United States in October and November 2015 and continued to work with Veselnitskaya intermittently through February 2016. This work occurred through the law firm of Baker Hostetler. He worked with Veselnitskaya "a fair amount? in blocks of days over the above-mentioned period of time. More precise information about the dates he worked for Veselnitskaya would be documented in Samochornov?s invoices. Samochornov b5 as attorneys linked to Baker Hostetler. Baker Hostetler prepared the paperwork, to include a nondisclosure agreement, defining the relationship between Samochornov and Veselnitskaya. (U) Between February 2016 and January 2017 there was a lull in activity related to the civil litigation. Samochornov began working with Veselnitskaya again in 2017 as the case entered settlement negotiations. (U) Initially, Samochornov's communications with Veselnitskaya occurred through Baker Hostetler. He did not have direct communications with her until later in their relationship. When Samochornov began to have direct communications with Veselnitskaya, it was mostly through email. Samochornov's most recent contact with Veselnitskaya was on July 5, 2017, via email. In June 2017, he sent her articles, also by email. Hfter the civil litigation was settled on May 15, 2017, Samochornov and Veselnitskaya discussed getting together in Moscow, but the trip did not occur. [Agent note: according to a press release from the United States Attorney?s Office for the Southern District of New York, the civil litigation was settled on May 12, 2017.] (U) Samochornov provided the interviewing agents with two telephone numbers and two email addresses for Veselnitskaya as follows: (Veselnitskaya?s Russian telephone number.) b5 . (Veselnitskaya?s United States?based telephone number. Samochornov did not know if this was a permanent number.) I I (U) Samochornov was paid by Baker Hostetler. On one occasion in January 2017, Veselnitskaya directly paid Samochornov b5 Samochornov later deposited the money into his personal bank account. The b7: payment was for his help with finding a new law firm to become involved in the civil litigation. This firm, called Quinn Emanuel by Samochornov, also received invoices from Samochornov. b3 (13-3023 in?ll Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .On OTf12f20lT ng 4 Of 8 (U) The meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and Veselnitskaya took place at two or three in the afternoon. Prior to arriving at Trump Tower, Samochornov was with Veselnitskaya at a meeting at a courthouse. Samochornov was not informed he would be attending a meeting with Donald Trump Jr. or anyone associated with the Trump Campaign until the day of the meeting. Samochornov did not know how Veselnitskaya set up the meeting. He believed she treated it as an important engagement. (U) Before arriving at Trump Tower, Veselnitskaya, Samochornov, and Irakli Kaveladze had lunch at Nello located near the intersection of Madison Avenue and East 62nd Street in Manhattan. The topic of the forthcoming meeting was not discussed during lunch, but there was an understanding as to what Veselnitskaya would talk about given her involvement in the civil litigation and her advocacy against the Magnitsky Act. (U) When they arrived at Trump Tower, the group (now including Rinat Akhmetshin) was met by Rob Goldstone. Samochornov described Goldstone as a short guy who dressed and acted like a cast member from the Sopranos television show. Goldstone escorted the group through security and brought them to the correct floor. While inside Trump Tower, Samochornov saw Ivanka Trump, but did not see Donald Trump. [Agent note: During the interview, Samochornov referred to Goldstone as both Goldstone and Goldstein.] (U) The meeting attendees were as follows: Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, Natalia Veselnitskaya, Anatoli Samochornov, Rinat Akhmetshin, and Irakli Kaveladze. Samochornov could not be certain that Goldstone attended the meeting. Once the meeting began, it lasted for approximately 20 minutes. The topic of discussion was the Magnitsky Act and related issues. Akhmetshin did most of the talking during the meeting. Veselnitskaya spoke for approximately three to four minutes. Kushner left the meeting five to seven minutes after it began. Manafort used his telephone under the table throughout the meeting. Samochornov did not take notes during the meeting because it was not his practice to do so while interpreting. (U) Samochornov knew Akhmetshin to be involved in public relations and lobbying work. Akhmetshin was brou ht in to the civil litigation by Baker Hostetler and its to do public relations work and b5 research for the case. (U) Samochornov could not speak for other occasions, but said there was no discussion about the 2016 United States presidential election or collusion between the Russian government and the Trump Campaign at the h3 (Rm: CmummMmu?FDJ?lm?(U} Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .On OTf12f20lT .?mc 5 of 8 meeting. There was no smoking gun according to Samochornov. There was not a discussion about "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. Samochornov did not think Hillary Clinton was mentioned by name at the meeting. Samochornov had not heard Veselnitskaya say anything about having "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. Veselnitskaya did not offer any materials during the meeting and no papers were exchanged. Additionally, there was no follow?up to the meeting that Samochornov knows about. (U) However, during the meeting Veselnitskaya told Donald Trump Jr. and the other meeting attendees that the Ziff brothers were silent partners with William Browder and that the Ziff brothers donated illicit funds to democratic campaigns. Samochornov did not know if the donation(s) were made directly to the Clinton Campaign, the Democratic National Committee, or a political action committee. Once raised, the topic of the donation(s) was dismissed by Manafort. Veselnitskaya learned of the donation(s) through extensive research she had done in connection with her legal representation of individuals involved in the civil litigation. The information about the Ziff brothers was not developed just for the meeting with Donald Trump Jr. Samochornov told the interviewing agents that Veselnitskaya would seek any avenues to advance her cause. (U) According to Samochornov, Veselnitskaya had misplaced hopes that the meeting attendees would be more receptive to her information. By informing Donald Trump Jr. of the Ziff brothers' donation(s), Samochornov believed Veselnitskaya was attempting to provide information that would be a benefit to both parties and assist with her advocacy against the Magnitsky Act. Samochornov said Veselnitskaya thought the information about the donation(s) could act as a "carrot." (U) Samochornov was not particularly fond of Donald Trump Jr., but stated Donald Trump Jr.?s account of the meeting with Veselnitskaya, as portrayed in recent media reports, was accurate. Samochornov concurred with Donald Trump Jr.'s accounts of the meeting. He added, "they" were telling the truth. Samochornov told the interviewing agents that he would have contacted the FBI if he thought the meeting was nefarious. (U) Samochornov was not with Veselnitskaya the days before or after the meeting. Veselnitskaya arrived in the United States on June 7th or 8th. Either before, but likely after the meeting with Donald Trump Jr., veselnitskaya attended a HRAGIF-related movie screening in Washington, D. C. (U) Samochornov described Veselnitskaya as a good client. She paid on time and was sympathetic to Samochornov?s other commitments. She was outgoing and the two had a friendly relationship. Veselnitskaya be (Rev. Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .On OTf12f20lT ng (U) Samochornov did not think Veselnitskaya was an employee of the Russian government. She was formerly a prosecutor in Moscow and that was where her connections were. Additionally, Veselnitskaya may have had connections to the Russian government through the Prosecutor General of Russia. She also had connections to the Russian government through Denis Ratsyv and his father Petr Ratsyv. Samochornov believed Petr Katsyv was formerly the Transportation Minister of the Moscow Region. (U) Samochornov said he did not know exactly who Veselnitskaya was and did not knowl However, Samochornov said the following factors I . Samochornov did not discern I . Veselnitskaya was talkative and unguarded with what she said. . Veselnitskaya appeared to be a working lawyer who lost cases and who had typical problems and issues. There did not appear to I . Veselnitskaya was involved in litigation in Russia that countered the interests of I . Veselnitskaya invited Samochornov to Moscow in June or July of 2016. In order to travel to Russia Samochornov, still a Russian citizen, was required to wait two months to get his Russian passport renewed. ISamochornov thought, I (UJI land he cited this fact as one reason for maintaining his Russian citizenship. Samochornov visited Russia I and returned toI I I His most recent trip to Russia was inI ISamochornov accompanied representatives from a law firm associated with the civil litigation to Veselnitskaya?s office in suburban Moscow. While there, Samochornov provided translationfinterpretation services. When Samochornov arrived in Moscow he did not receive any extra scrutiny by the Russian border guards. Samochornov did not make any trips to Russia (Rm: 133 ?373 m4m of of Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .011 OTf12f20lT Jungthe interview, Samochornov if he be noticed anything odd with the Russian linguists working at the United Nations or United States Department of State. replied that he had not! recalled that he had suspicions about] becauser I I Samochornov saidl noteworthy with respect to Initially, Samochornov but then mentioned a few individuals. Samochornov I [1911} and: He was also uncertain aboutl l[discussed above] hin ecificall he United Nations. Samochornov had not seen an [ph] and Samochornov also named but did not elaborate other than to note [Agent note: Samochornov did not think a lack of work for translators but said perhaps it was different for (U) finterpreters made them vulnerable, those with business in Russia. (U) Referring to Russians, Samochornov said those in power speak Samochornov did not support Vladimir Putin and did what he b6 English well. could to oppose him. Samochornov said that he may have met Samochornov told the interviewing agents he was besieged by the press. He did not provide the press with comments only to state he had nondisclosure agreements with his clients. Samochornov wanted to know what The agents concurred with his decision to (U) he should tell the press. reference his nondisclosure agreements. 1:33 (Rev. 1371; UNCLASSI CommunionoFFD-B?lor Interview of Anatoli Samochornov .011 .1?21gc 8 Of 8 DECLASSIFIED BY: NSISG UN 12-10-2019 (Rev. 5-8-10) 1 Of 8 sEeasIZfeses?+?eseas- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date ofenzn- 09f06f2017 I b6 (U) On 07/28f2017 sn[ land we interviewed Professor Shlomo Weber (Weber) at Madeline?s Cafe in Dallas, Texas. The interview was established through a series of phone calls and email communication with assistance froml After being advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents and the nature of the interview, Weber provided the following information: (U) General Information (U) Weber had been back in the United states for two weeks. He had somel after which he would return to Russia. b6 Weber was a professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and IDallas, TX. maintains an apartment near there atl (U) Weber?s Russian phone number isl I Weber is willing to communicated using Whatstp when he is in Russia if he thinks of anything the FBI should know. (U) When questioned about Russian Influence on the Elections, Weber said it would not surprise him that Russians interfered with elections but does not know anything. (U) I 1371?. (U) New Economic School (U) Weber is the Rector of New Economic School (WES) in Moscow, Russia. Weber had been in that position since 2015. A Rector is on: 1.4(b) Derived NSISC- 20090615 at Dallas, Texas, United States {In Person} Doze drafted lnwesiigmion This document contains neither nor conclusions ofliie FBI. [1 is the pmpeny of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its contents are not Io be oulside you agency. 1 9W1 278)?1533 (Rev. mm Continuationc-FFD-B?lof (U) Interview of Shlomo Weber .011 OTI2BK201T Jung; 2 of 8 similar to the American presidents or European Chancellors of their respective schools. The Rector reports to the NES Board. The Board has ten members, including businessmen and government officials. (U) Weber described is currently the b5 I Iabove Weber, but the position is mainly ceremonial. was a b7: I ?but is not involved in its day-to-day activities. In one year, Weber plans to take over as President. (U) Weber previously taught a class at MES and took over the position after thel left. Iwas a friend of the b5 previousl Ileft the school in 2013 because he felt insecure about his position and he currently lives a few years of turmoil from losing the school asked Weber to take the position of Rector. Weber felt that they chose him because there are not many economists in Russia. Russians historically studied mathematics. Weber had only a few peers who studied economics and spoke Russian. (U) Weber opined that because WES is a private school, it is a miracle the school exists through the turbulence of the 25 years after the fall of the Soviet Union. The school has relied on individual investor money to stay afloat, and individual investors come with "undertones.? Weber also mentioned that when NBS is in need of money, they go to the Central Bank for assistance. (U) As Rector, Weber has no official contact with members of the Duma or Moscow City Government (MVD). Weber recalled approaching the MVD for support on some research but the project did not go anywhere. (U) In his role as Rector, Weber has had some interaction with public officials, like the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Arkady Dvorkovich (Dvorkovich), who is the Russian Federation Minister of Economic Development and head of the NES Board. Dvorkovich was a graduate of NBS. In his role, Dvorkovich has a lot of power over WES. (U) Weber described the impact of U.S. sanctions against Russia on NBS stating that the overall economic situation in Russia affects the school, however, it has little to do with sanctions. Specifically, the Russian Federation has foreign agency laws which prevents WES from taking money from foreign investors, including from the United States. So NBS has difficulty receiving money from the West because of Russian law, not U.S. Sanctions. (U) Arkady Dvorkovich I {0-3323 (Rm: {35-0340} WW of of (U) Interview of Shlomo Weber .On 0Tf28f201? .?mc 3 of 8 (U) Weber and Dvorkovich do not meet as frequently as Weber would like because Dvorkovich is so busy and holds an extensive portfolio. Dvorkovich is also the Chairman of the Board of Russian Railways. Which according to Weber is the largest employing force in country. (U) Dvorkovich is the NES Chairman of the Board, and was aware of Page's visit. Students were disappointed in Page?s speech. At the time, nobody believed Trump would become President. Weber might have mentioned Page?s attendance to other members of the board, but nobody else had to approve it. No Russian law prohibits a US Campaign Official from coming to Russia. Weber figured that notifying the DPM was good enough. (U) Weber does not have a phone number for Dvorkovich, but provided his email addressl b6 Carter Page (U) Carter Page was one of three speakers at the July 2016 NES Commencement Ceremony. However, Page did not give the commencement address. Weber further stated that he would never have let Page give the commencement address when they previously had much more prestigious speakers, like President Obama in 2009. The 2016 commencement speaker was Ithe National Academy of Economics, which Weber referred to as RANEPA. (U) Weber became aware of Page in 2016 throughl land b5 associate, Andrej Krickovic (Rrickovic). Weber never knew Page b7: before mentioned him. After Weber was first introduced to Page, Weber invited him to come to WES as a "general thing" later Weber offered to have Page speak at the commencement. As Rector, Weber strives to bring multiple points of view to academic discussion, and he felt that bringing Page to NEE would accomplish that. (U) Weber also recalled that in the summer of 2016 there was incredible interest in Moscow related to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Campaign. Weber saw bringing a member of the Campaign to his school as a great public relations stunt. (U) At some point between the Weber's introduction to Page and July, Weber made the decision to ask Page to speak at the commencement. Weber said, ?It was my decision." (U) Nobody from the Russian Federation came to Weber about Page. Nobody directed Weber to invite Page to give the speech at (Rev. 05-03-10); CmummMmu?FDJ?lm?IU} Interview of Shlomo Weber .On OTf28f20lT .?mc 4 of 8 commencement in July.I b6 I I Dmitry Peskov never approached Weber; and b7: (U) nobody on Peskov's behalf approached Weber. It surprised Weber that (U) More recently,I Itold Weber the story of howI I be I Iat the Higher School of Economics in ch Moscow Ilearned this from his friend and academic colleague, Andrej Krickovic, who teaches at HSE withI IandI I Weber recounted the story saying thatI I Page?s July Trip (U) Weber and Page met for the first time at a dinner in July with Krickovic?s colleagues from HSE. Weber felt it necessary to b5 meet Page before he spoke at NES. Weber recalled that Page kept going b7: on an on about 1"Igor Ivanovich, Igor Ivanovich, Igor Ivanovich" which is how Page referred to Igor Sechin (Sechin). Weber made it clear that Page never discussed meeting with Sechin, but he did talk about Sechin a lot. (U) In July, Page gave a public speech before the commencement, Weber could not recall the exact name of the international center at which the speech occurred. WES holds occasionally meetings at the venue. (U) In July, Page asked NES not to introduce him as a member of Trump? campaign. (U) Page's first public talk in July of 2016 was a disaster. After 55 hearing the first speech, which was disjointed, had no focus, and made b7: no sense,I I [Page?s commencement speech was more generally about opportunity and success, however, graduates approached Weber after the event and complained that Page did not meet their expectations for commencement. (U) Page and Dvorkovich shook hands at the commencement in July of 2016. Weber was unaware of any other meetings occurring between the two. Dvorkovich made statements to Page about working together in the future. WNW I (Rm: Emmi/ fem of of (U) (U) Interview of Shlomo Weber .011 OTI2BK201T Jung; 5 of 8 (U) Weber was not involved in scheduling Page?s trip. WES paid for Page's economy class ticket and his hotel. The School would have scheduled it, or reimbursed it. Weber does not remember the specifics of how it was done organized. Page was in town for three or four days. (U) Page may have had contact with Denis Klimentov while in Moscow. In July, Klimentov was either an employee or becoming an employee at WES. Klimentov came on board with NES some time in July. Weber could not recall any meetings between Page and Klimentov. (U) Weber does not know if Page met with members of the NES Board. Page said it would have been nice to meet with board, but never did. NES has a board meeting during graduation, and Weber recalled that there was no interest from the members in meeting Page. Weber did not rule out the possibility that board members may have met Page at WES at the time of the board meeting, because NES has given Page office space to work out of, and it is possible that Dvorkovich b6 him on their not speak English very well so unlikely they met. Page?s Second Trip (U) Weber recalled Page visiting Moscow in November or December of 2016 after the elections. Weber was clear that the visit was unrelated to WES, despite that Weber introduced Page at a speaking engagement. Weber said that Page requested that Weber introduce him, so Weber obliged. Weber could not recall the purpose of the event. Overall, Weber felt that the second talk was much more coherent than Page?s first, referring to his first public speech in July of 2016. (U) Page?s second visit to Russia had nothing to do with NES, other than Weber introducing Page to the group. (U) The second talk in Novaec was about economic development in general. It was a smaller group, advertised online where people could register. Weber recalled that American journalists attended. When Page was asked why he came to Moscow to give the talk, he did not have a clear answer. Weber still does not know why Page gave the talk. (U) Initially in the interview, Weber did not recall having dinner with Page in December, however he later recalled: In December 2016, Weber had a private event with Page and a few other people including Klimentov. Weber gave Dvorkovich a courtesy call and notified him that Page was in Moscow and invited Dvorkovich to stop by the event. (Rev. 05-03-10); WW 0f Shlomo WEber .On 07f28f201T .1?21gc 6 Of 8 Dvorkovich came, and he and Page shook hands. Weber was surprised that Dvorkovich came, since he is busy and influential person. (U) At the time of this dinner, Weber knew Page was no longer part of the administration, because he followed the news. Weber was unsure if Dvorkovich knew. Weber cannot remember if Page acknowledged he was no longer part of the administration. (U) Weber said that in December it was hard to say whether Page acted like he still had connections to the administration, but he does not think so. Page did not offer to mediate contact with the administration. It was clear that Page could not do much with the administration. (U) Weber did not recall if Page asked to do a presentation at WES, and if he did they would have refused. WES may have set up a taxi for him or something. Further Contact with Page (U) When asked if Weber had any further contacts with Page, Weber stated that after July, Page wrote him about the effect of sanctions on WES. Page was drafting an op-ed with the New York Times, and Weber did not want to participate because he thought it was a misleading story. Page asked him to help him write the op?ed and Weber refused. Weber said it was ridiculous and a complete lie to say Russia was suffering because of sanctions, he did not want to risk his academic reputation. (U) Page expressed an interest in coming to Russia again in 2017 to do something related to HBO, but Weber did not want to participate in it. (U) There were no discussions about ongoing work with Page and NES. Weber said, ?We had no interest.? Weber does not recall if Page approached him or WES looking for additional work. (U) When asked specifically if there were discussions between Page and Weber or NES about a potential ?think tank" Weber said that in July things were different, perhaps Weber was interested in discussing his views, but Page would not have been the one he would want to participate in it. Additionally, Weber would be shocked if Pa pitched business ideas to Dvorkovich. Weber said of b5 (U) Dvorkovich never recommended Weber stay in contact with Page. wag/9mm I (Rm: Mx? of of (U) (U) Interview of Shlomo Weber .On OTf28f20lT me of 8 The 2017 NES Commencement only had one speaker, thel b5 (U) . b7: Meeting with Igor Sechin (U) Weber has since heard about Page meeting Igor Sechin but he does not know if they met. Weber said would be shocked if they did.? He might remember Page speaking highly of Sechin. Weber does not know if Page met with Igor Divyekin. Denis Klimentov (U) Klimentov was not authorized to come to the US to look for money for NES. NES would be required to register as a foreign agent in order to get the US money, so they do not want to do that. All their funding is from Russia. (U) Weber never had any discussion about giving money from NES to Page. Never any discussion of a think tank. Tuition only covers a very small part of their budget. (U) Klimentov was hired as the Director of Communications for NES. Before that he was with the Eurasia Foundation. Weber joked that Klimentov's English is better than his Russian. Klimentov?s duties at NES include promoting the school, organizing conferences, public events, and speeches. But Weber doubts Klimentov had anything to do with Page's travel. Klimentov mentioned that he spoke to the FBI at the airport and it was a cordial conversation. (U) Klimentov applied for the job at NES a few weeks before the commencement. That would have been after Weber informed the DPM that Page was attending the commencement. Weber said they were already leaning toward hiring Klimentov and he was hired around time of commencement. Andrej Krickovic (U) Weber met Krickovic Weber and Krickovic have met b5 only two times. Once in the end of June surrounding a conference, but the two have never had any personal interactions, he only knows Krickovic as a co?author with (U) Weber recalled meetingl lat some introductory meetings or maybe the dinner with Page. Weber did not speak with him I Fo-mza (Rev. ContinuationofFD-B?lor Interview of Shlomo Weber .011 OTf28f20lT .1?21gc of 8 personally, but heard his are very b5 nationalistic, which was very surprising. Weber opined that political b7: science people change their views, which is very interesting to him. I [and Krickovic. WNW (Rev. -1 of l- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Dateofentry Paul J. Manafort, date of birth was interviewed at the Office of the Special Counsel in Washington, D.C. The interviewers were FBI Special Agents DOJ Attorney James Mann; and Assistant Special Counsels Andrew Weissmann and Greg Andres. Present representing Manafort were attorneys Richard Westling and Thomas Zehnle. After being advised of the identities of the interviewers and the nature of the interview, Manafort provided the following information: Manafort metl during the campaign. as a I Manafort introduced to the campaign through Corey Lewandowski. Manafort recalls times: in the campaign offices in April or May 2016; at Thomas Barrack?s California house during a fundraiser; and at the Republican National Convention. Manafort did not have any business dealings with Manafort does not have any information regarding investments. Hose? lntest'tgution on Rb? I I 10502/2013 10f01f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} by I This document contains neither nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pnopeity of the FBI and is loaned to your agencydistributed outside your agency. EME b6 b6 b3 b6 (Rev. -1 of l- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Dateofentry Paul J. Manafort, date of was interviewed at the Office of the Special Counsel in Washington, D.C. The interviewers were FBI Special Agents DOJ Attorney James Mann; and Assistant Special Counsels Andrew Weissmann and Greg Andres. Present representing Manafort were attorneys Richard Westling and Thomas Zehnle. After being advised of the identities of the interviewers and the nature of the interview, Manafort provided the following information: Hose? tmestigutionon 10f01f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} I DEIIC dl'EI?Cd 10f02f2018 by I This doeument contains neither reeonammdations nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pnopeity of the FBI and is loaned to your agencydistributed outside your agency. b6 b6 b6 b6 1:16 1373 '1 Of 3' FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date ofentn- llf07f2018 Paul J. Manafort, date of was interviewed at the b6 Office of the Special Counsel in Washington, D.C. The interviewers were ch FBI Special Agentsl IFBI Forensic Accountant[ and Assistant Special Counsels (ASE) Andrew Weissmann and Greg Andres. Present representing Manafort were attorneys Richard Westling and Thomas Zehnle. After being advised of the identities of the interviewers and the nature of the interview, Manafort provided the following information: b6 b7A h6 h?C b6 fee-ase- lntest'tgutionen 10f01f2018 at Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} meg I I Date draited 10f02f2018 :33 b, ch This deeument neither sue-r conclusions ni'the FBIleaned te- mus' agency. it and its ee-ntents are net to be distributed eutside your agency. 1 1 543 (Rev. I Interview of Paul Manafort Communion of of 2 8 .011 ?l2 18 .F?ngc 2 Of 3 Manafort planned campaign mailings during the primaries. The campaign had previously used a company associated with Corey Lewandowski. Manafort thought that the company's rates were too high because, in part, Lewandowski and others were taking a cut. dealt with mail vendors while he worked at the Republican National Committee so Manafort asked him to recommend a group. I Manafort reviewed an e-mail from Gates. Manafort had been upset about the money paid to Lewandowski from the other mailings so Text messages between Manafort and Sean Hannity were read to Manafort. Excluding conversations with his attorneys, Manafort received information on possible leaks of information by the Department of Justice regarding his case from Jason Sean Hannity and I None of these individuals had first hand knowledge of the leaks. They repeated information learned from their contacts in the press. Manafort has no specific facts or allegations regarding any leaks from the DOJ regarding his case. b6 b6 b6 (Rm: (Uff?Fe-H-e? Interview of Paul Manafort CommunionoFFD-??luf 10'01?2018 .On 10f01f2018 .F?ngc 3 Of 3 On lf24/2018, Manafort wrote to Hannity ?[p]er our conversation this morning, my attorney Kevin Downing will call you at 11:30 am tomorrow. He will update you on what we are doing and how it connects to your reporting." Downing spoke with Hannity. Manafort asked Downing to speak with Hannity because he wanted Hannity to understand his case. Hannity also served as an outlet to the public and the White House. Downing also spoke with Greener, Doug Davenport and Gay in order to educate them about Manafort's case. On 5f4/2018, Manafort messaged Hannity that am told DT is pumped." The comment is in response to Judge Ellis?s courtroom criticism of the Special Counsel?s Office. Manafort's legal counsel told him that DT was pumped. Many of Manafort's text messages are based on his belief that the investigation of him began before July 2016. Serhiy Lyovochkin heard from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko that the U.S. Embassy was pressuring Ukraine?s National Anti?Corruption Bureau for information on Manafort. Manafort had a series of problems with his phone leading him to believe that he was being intercepted. The document reviewed by Manafort will be maintained in the section of this casefile. 1 Of 2 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Dateofentry' Paul J. Manafort, date of interviewed at the b5 Office of the Special Counsel in Washington, D.C. The interviewers were b7: FBI Special Agents DOJ Attorney James Mann; and Assistant Special Counsels Andrew Weissmann and Greg Andres. Present representing Manafort were attorneys Richard Westling and Thomas Zehnle. After being advised of identities of the interviewers and the nature of the interview, Manafort provided the following information: b6 b6 b6 fearso- 10f01f2018 EH Washington, District Of Columbia, United States (In Person} ?mg I 10f02f2018 b6 m-I This doeument contains neither reeonammdations nor conclusions ofthe FBI. [1 is the pnopeity of the FBI and is loaned to your agencydistributed outside your agency. [23? 1 1 54 6 (Rm: UNCLASSI Interview of Paul Manafort Communion 0F 0F 1 2 8 le?Dlx?EOlB 20f2 b6 137C to Manafort did not know that the FBI was investigating anything related UNCLASSI (Rev. BY: NSICE I OH -l of 1- 3.35231! Hosea:- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date 02f01f2017 GEORGE DEMETRIOS PAPADOPQULOS date of birth (DOB) [was initiallv met bv the interviewing Agents at his residence, located at Chicago, Illinois 60625. cellular telephone isI land his email address isl I Also present at the residence during the initial contact with FAPADOPOULOS wasl PAFADOFOULOS was requested to accompany the interviewing Agents to the FBI Chicago Field Office in order to further conduct the interview in secure and private environment. FAFADOPOULOS was told that the interview was voluntary on his part and that he was not under arrest. FAFADOFOULOS was further advised that the nature of the interview was to discuss a contact of his, who currently resides in New York. DEYAHF) PAFADOFOULOS agreed to accompany the Agents back to the Chica Field Office and was driven to that location in Special Bureau-issued vehicle. FAFADOFOULOS was interviewed at the Chicago Field Office and was then returned to his residence in SA vehicle. Caz/am] Dis/Ass) Subsequent to the interview, FAPADOFOULOS sent sn : two email communications. Those email communications are documented for the file as a digital lA attachment to this communication. l.4{b) Derived assify On: SEEM/twosome- lm-c?ign?onon Olf27f2017 at Chicago, Illinois, United States (In Person} File by Dane drafted 02 ?11/2017 This document contains neither i'econInIendmimIs nor conclusions oflnc FBI. [1 is the pmpeny of the FBI and is loaned to your agency: it and its contents are not 10 be oulside 3min agency. b6 b6 b6 b3 b6 ETD-302 (Rev. 5-8-10) BY: NSICG CTN 12-12-2019 -l of 4- rstsas 135 r