Trump ally Thomas Barrack arrested on foreign lobbying charges, says US justice department

ThomasBarrack, a billionaire friend of Donald Trump who chaired the former president's inaugural fund, was arrested on Tuesdayand charged with illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

Barrackand two other defendants are accused of failing to register as lobbyists and using their influence to advance the UAE's foreign policy goals in the United States.

"The defendants repeatedly capitalised onBarrack's friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected president, high-ranking campaign and government officials, and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances," USDepartment of Justice official Mark Lesko in a press release.

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Barrackis also alleged to have repeatedly lied during an FBI interview about his dealings with the UAE.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Barrack, 74, is a longtime Trump ally and founder of the large private equity firm Colony Capital.Barrackstepped down as Colony Capital's chief executive in 2020. In April, he resigned as executive chairman of the firm.