In a shocking turn of events, former FBI Special Agent Charles McGonigal, who played a central role in the investigation of alleged Trump-Russia collusion, is set to plead guilty to charges of illegally working with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. McGonigal, a former top FBI counterintelligence agent based in New York, was indicted earlier this year on multiple counts, including money laundering and violating US sanctions.

THE ALLEGATIONS AND CHARGES

McGonigal, 54, is accused of violating US sanctions by working for Oleg Deripaska and attempting to remove him from the US sanctions list. As a top FBI counterintelligence agent, McGonigal was legally obligated to report his contacts with foreign officials. However, it is alleged that he concealed these ties and engaged in business activities and overseas travel that conflicted with his role. The charges against McGonigal include conspiring to violate and evade US sanctions, money laundering, conspiring to commit money laundering, and conspiring to violate federal law against doing business with sanctioned individuals.

THE PLEA AGREEMENT

Manhattan federal Judge Jennifer Rearden has scheduled a hearing for August 15th, during which McGonigal is expected to enter a guilty plea. This development comes after the court was informed of McGonigal's intention to change his plea. If McGonigal pleads guilty, it could have significant implications for the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

MCGONIGAL'S ROLE IN THE "RUSSIAGATE" INVESTIGATION

Charles McGonigal played a central role in the FBI's investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. This investigation, commonly known as "Russiagate," eventually led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller. The plea agreement by McGonigal raises questions about the credibility of the investigation and the potential impact it may have had on the outcome of the 2016 election.