Page:Comey-Interview-12-7-18-Redacted.pdf/27

27 counterintelligence investigation?

Mr. I don't think that I can describe the factual predicate for two reasons: I don't remember precisely; and to the extent I remember, I think those are classified facts that implicate the concern the Bureau just expressed.

Mr. Some of our friends in the media use the word "collusion" from time to time. What is the crime of collusion?

Mr. What is the crime of collusion? I do not know. I've never heard the term "collusion" used in the way it's been used in our world over the last couple years before that. I don't know of a crime that involves collusion. I think in terms of conspiracy or aiding and abetting.

Mr. With counterintelligence investigations, is there always a criminal component or sometimes a criminal component?

Mr. Counterintelligence investigations involve an effort to understand the plans and intentions and activities of a foreign adversary. Sometimes that leads to the use of criminal tools to disrupt. Sometimes it involves other tools to disrupt. So criminal is an element of counterintelligence investigations always because it's a potential tool to disrupt.

Mr. Do you recall your March 2017 testimony in an open setting before the House Intelligence Committee?

Mr. In a general way.

Mr. It was when I believe the Bureau first confirmed