A federal probe has been launched regarding the ties between Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and two internationally wanted Ecuadorian bankers, reports NBC 4 New York. The investigation involves a possible exchange of favors for campaign contributions. Senator Menendez’s office has now denied knowledge of any investigation into the matter.Menendez, the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, reportedly made phone calls to federal officials in support of the fugitive brothers’ permanent U.S. residency. The feds are investigating whether or not those calls were made in exchange for campaign donations.The bankers, William and Roberto Isaias, are wanted in Ecuador for embezzlement after they allegedly fled the country with up to “100 million dollars” following the collapse of their bank. In 2005, the U.S. ambassador to Ecuador recommended they be deported to Ecuador, but the Department of Justice says the Ecuadorian government has not provided enough evidence to warrant an extradition. Interpol issued international arrest warrants for the brothers in 2010.As non-residents, the Isaias brothers cannot donate to a U.S. political campaign, but relatives of the brothers donated more than $10,000 to Menendez himself and $100,000 to the Democratic Party in 2012.
