Commerce Secretary failed to disclose shared business interests with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s family, according to documents obtained by several news organizations.
The documents show that Ross still has interest in Navigator Holdings, which was partially owned by his investment company. Putin’s son-in-law, as well as other members of the president’s inner circle, control a Russian energy firm that has a relationship with Navigator.
German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung first obtained the leaked documents from a Bermuda law firm, which were shared with NBC News by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Ross previously vowed to cut ties with more 80 financial entities that he has interests in, a move that won him praise from Republicans and Democrats.
That vow was repeated by a Commerce Department spokesperson, who told NBC News in statement that Ross has recused himself from matters related to transoceanic shipping and is in contact with ethics officials to “to ensure the highest ethical standards.”
The spokesperson added Ross has “generally” supported sanctions regarding Russia, although the statement did not address the ties referenced in the NBC News report.
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