DOJ Indicts Former NIAID Employee for COVID-19 Grant Concealment
The Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday that a former employee of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, associated with Anthony Fauci, has been indicted. This individual is accused of engaging in a scheme to hide federal records related to COVID-19 research grants.
The DOJ charged David Morens, aged 78, with conspiracy against the U.S. This includes various offenses like the destruction and alteration of records involved in federal investigations. Morens held the position of senior advisor to Dr. Fauci from 2006 until 2022.
The indictment claims that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Morens along with two unnamed associates plotted to defraud the government after one of the associates lost a significant grant. This grant, aimed at “Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence,” was cut after it was suggested that COVID-19 might have originated from a lab in Wuhan, China. The NIAID had originally given this grant to a particular company, which then subawarded it to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Following the grant’s termination, Morens and one co-conspirator made efforts to help reinstate it. They also sought to counter accusations that COVID-19 emerged from a lab leak. Interestingly, they allegedly planned to avoid scrutiny of their communications by using Morens’ personal Gmail account, anticipating that their official emails would be subject to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented that these allegations signify a significant breach of trust, especially during such a critical time for the public health. He emphasized that the accused took measures to hide vital information and manipulate records to suppress alternative theories about COVID-19’s origins.
Blanche further stated that government officials must prioritize providing accurate facts and advice for the public good rather than serving personal agendas.
During his tenure as a senior advisor, Morens worked closely with Fauci and other NIAID officials on various policy matters, offering insights and solutions for NIH-related issues, and contributing to academic manuscripts.
FBI Director Kash Patel stressed that evading transparency protocols would not be tolerated, asserting that Morens allegedly engaged in illegal acts while profiting from the situation. He concluded with a stern message: anyone conspiring against the United States will be pursued until justice is served.
