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[POLITICS] · United States · 12 sources

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David Morens pleads guilty to concealing COVID-19 research records

David Morens, a former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge. The charge involves a scheme to defraud the United States by concealing government records related to COVID-19 research grants.

According to court filings, Morens and co-conspirators used personal Gmail accounts to conduct official business, thereby bypassing the Federal Records Act and evading Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This allowed them to hide communications regarding the origins of the pandemic and discussions about the termination and potential restoration of coronavirus research grants.

Evidence presented in court indicates that Morens worked to protect the interests of certain entities, including EcoHealth Alliance, and received personal benefits such as wine from Peter Daszak. Morens faces up to five years in prison and potential fines following his sentencing.

Entities

Anthony Fauci · David M. Morens · David Morens · Department of Justice · EcoHealth Alliance · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · Peter Daszak

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