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Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe under FBI investigation for possible campaign violations

The FBI is investigating whether Gov. Terry McAuliffe's 2013 campaign accepted illegal contributions, federal officials confirmed to NBC News.
Terry McAuliffe speaks to supporters during his election night victory rally in Tyson's Corner, Va., Nov. 5, 2013. (Photo by Gary Cameron/Reuters)
Terry McAuliffe speaks to supporters during his election night victory rally in Tyson's Corner, Va., Nov. 5, 2013.

The FBI is investigating whether Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe's 2013 campaign accepted illegal contributions, federal officials confirmed to NBC News.

CNN first reported Monday that the Democratic governor is the subject of a federal investigation into whether he violated campaign finance laws.

McAuliffe's office told CNN they were not aware of the investigation, but would cooperate if contacted.

As part of the probe, investigators are looking into a $120,000 donation from Chinese businessman Wang Wenliang through his U.S. businesses, according to the report. It is against U.S. election law for foreign nationals to donate to political races here.

A spokesman for Wang told CNN the businessman holds permanent resident status in the U.S.

McAuliffe's predecessor, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, was also investigated by federal officials. In 2014, McDonnell was convicted of corruption charges stemming from gifts and loans he received from a donor.

This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com.