Justice Dept. Accuses Political Operatives of Hiding Qatari Lobbying Efforts
• Justice Dept. accuses 2 political operatives, Barry P. Bennett and Douglas Watts, of hiding foreign lobbying for Qatar during Trump administration • Bennett allegedly spearheaded covert lobbying campaign aimed at advancing Qatar's interests and denigrating rival nation • Charges say Bennett's company was paid $2.1 million by Qatar in 2017 but did not disclose associated lobbying work • Allegations include operating front company, Yemen Crisis Watch, to secretly conduct PR campaign against Qatar rival on Yemen war • Both reached deferred prosecution agreements; Bennett to pay $100K fine and comply with terms