WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This follows recommendations from congressional Republicans who suggested that Cuomo should face charges for allegedly lying about his conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an individual familiar with the situation announced on Tuesday.

The investigation was started by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington after Rep. James Comer, a Republican and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, requested that the Justice Department pursue legal action against Cuomo. This request was based on Cuomo’s alleged false statements to the committee, which was examining his handling of the pandemic, particularly in relation to the virus’s spread in nursing homes. The individual providing this information did so anonymously, as they were not permitted to discuss ongoing investigations publicly.

On Tuesday, a representative for Cuomo stated that the former governor had not received any notice regarding such an investigation. Cuomo is currently campaigning for the position of New York City’s mayor.

“So why would someone leak it now? The answer is obvious: This is lawfare and election interference plain and simple — something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against,” Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said in an email.

The investigation was first reported Tuesday by The New York Times. The Justice Department declined Tuesday to comment. Spokespeople for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment.