REUTERS/Nicholas Pfosi
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The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into a firm created by two Republican operatives that sells medical supplies related to COVID-19, The Washington Post reported.
According to The Post, prosecutors began scrutinizing the firm, Blue Flame Medical, after claims that it failed to provide protective masks and other equipment to Maryland and California after the states entered into contracts with the company.AdvertisementBoth states have canceled their contracts with the company.
Ethan Berman, a lawyer for Blue Flame, provided the following statement to Business Insider regarding the contracts and delivery of materials:
"We were hoping to deliver the shipment of masks and ventilators in April, significantly earlier than the agreed upon June date. Because of the actions of the Chinese government, which is completely out of our control, Blue Flame Medical's supplier in China has confirmed that the Chinese government interfered with its ability to fulfil the shipment. Blue Flame Medical has kept the state of Maryland closely apprised as to all of these developments. Pursuant to the agreed upon contract with the state of Maryland, Blue Flame Medical has until June 30, 2020 to fulfill the purchase order. Blue Flame Medical intends to meet that obligation."Advertisement
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