US may be investigating Trump's son-in-law's business ties

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking into communications by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, seeking financial support for Kushner Companies during the transition of power in the US,CNNreported on February 19, citing sources familiar with the investigation.

Mueller is investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible collusion with Moscow by Trump aides.Kushner Companies, headquartered at 666 Fifth Avenue in New York, is a real estate development and lending company founded by Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner's father.

Kushner played a large role in the transition team's communications with foreign governments, having had more than 50 contacts with more than 15 countries during that time.

A week after Mr. Trump was elected on November 8, 2016, Kushner met with chairman Wu Xiaohui and executives of China's Anbang Insurance Group,New York TimesKushner and Wu nearly reached a deal for Anbang to invest in 666 Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Mueller is also looking into the failed negotiations, also involving 666 Fifth Avenue, with former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Kushner also met with Sergei Gorkov, chairman of the Russian state bank Vnesheconombank, but he has testified before the U.S. Congress about that meeting.

Kushner purchased 666 Fifth Avenue in 2007 for $1.8 billion. The housing crisis soon followed, causing financial problems for the deal, leading to Vornado Realty Trust, a company in the same industry as Kushner Companies, taking 49.5% of the building in 2011.

Mueller’s team has not contacted Kushner Companies or asked to interview its executives. It is unclear why Mueller is expanding the scope of the investigation to include foreign investors.