Watchdog Accuses US Commerce Secretary of Breaching Conflict of Interest Law - Complaint

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th August, 2018) US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has violated the Primary conflict of interest law and possibly made wrongful statements about his investments, the watchdog Campaign Legal Center said in a complaint.

"This public records [concerning Ross] review has revealed possible violations of the primary criminal conflict of interest law applicable to executive branch employees," the complaint said on Monday. "It has also revealed possible violations of three laws that prohibit certain false statements and omissions."

The Campaign Legal Center called on the Commerce Department Inspector General to launch an investigation into Ross potentially illegal actions.

A review of Ross records concluded that he held both restricted stock and stock in Invesco, a company which had acquired a significant interest in Chinese steel, the complaint said.

Ross, who was involved in discussions about US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, claimed in the past that he was not aware about still holding stocks in Invesco after taking a position in the Trump administration.

Moreover, Ross did not file a disclosure about his shares in another steel-dependent rail car producer, Greenbrier, the complaint said.

The Campaign Legal Center stressed that this complaint did not focus solely on ethics concerns, but rather pointed out criminal violations of the law concerning conflict of interest and providing erroneous information.