This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
On September 21, 2017, the special counsel's office subpoenaed the records and employees of Tony Podesta's firm, as well as other firms that worked with Paul Manafort and Rick Gates.
Mr. Podesta questioned the motives behind the investigation, referring to lead prosecutor Andrew Weismann as 'Inspector Javert' from Les Misérables.
'I didn't even steal a loaf of bread,' Mr. Podesta said, suggesting he was targeted because the special counsel wanted a Democrat involved.
Mr. Podesta's firm faced significant financial strain, with legal fees reaching up to $5 million and clients leaving due to the investigation.
Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates were charged with unregistered foreign lobbying and other crimes in October 2017.
