U.S. Department of Justice
Attorney Work Product // May Contain Material Protected Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 6(e)
office.[1] The investigation did not, however, establish that the passport was forwarded to Sater.[2]
Into the spring of 2016, Sater and Cohen continued to discuss a trip to Moscow in connection with the Trump Moscow project. On April 20, 2016, Sater wrote Cohen, "[t]he People wanted to know when you are coming?"[3] On May 4, 2016, Sater followed up:
I had a chat with Moscow. ASSUMING the trip does happen the question is before or after the convention. I said I believe, but don't know for sure, that's it's probably after the convention. Obviously the pre-meeting trip (you only) can happen anytime you want but the 2 big guys where [sic] the question. I said I would confirm and revert. . . . Let me know about If I was right by saying I believe after Cleveland and also when you want to speak to them and possibly fly over.[4]
Cohen responded, "My trip before Cleveland. Trump once he becomes the nominee after the convention."[5]
The day after this exchange, Sater tied Cohen's travel to Russia to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum ("Forum"), an annual event attended by prominent Russian politicians and businessmen. Sater told the Office that he was informed by a business associate that Peskov wanted to invite Cohen to the Forum.[6] On May 5, 2016, Sater wrote to Cohen:
- Peskov would like to invite you as his guest to the St. Petersburg Forum which is Russia's Davos it's June 16-19. He wants to meet there with you and possibly introduce you to either Putin or Medvedev, as they are not sure if 1 or both will be there.
- This is perfect. The entire business class of Russia will be there as well.
- He said anything you want to discuss including dates and subjects are on the table to discuss[.][7]
The following day, Sater asked Cohen to confirm those dates would work for him to travel; Cohen wrote back, "[w]orks for me."[8]
- ↑ Cohen 9/12/18 302, at 5.
- ↑ On December 21, 2015, Sater sent Cohen a text message that read, "They need a copy of DJT passport," to which Cohen responded, "After I return from Moscow with you with a date for him." FS00004 (12/21/15 Text Messages, Cohen & Sater).
- ↑ FS00014 (4/20/16 Text Message, Sater to Cohen (9:06 p.m.)).
- ↑ FS00015 (5/4/16 Text Message, Sater to Cohen (7:38 p.m.)).
- ↑ FS00015 (5/4/16 Text Message, Cohen to Sater (8:03 p.m.)).
- ↑ Sater 12/15/17 302, at 4.
- ↑ FS00016 (5/5/16 Text Messages, Sater to Cohen (6:26 & 6:27 a.m.)).
- ↑ FS00016 (5/6/16 Text Messages, Cohen & Sater).
77
