Former Trump advisor Bannon charged with fraud in New York

Donald Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon was charged with fraud  over a scheme that misappropriated millions of dollars donated for the construction of a wall between the United States and Mexico.

Bannon, 68, a popular ideologue who was closely involved in Trump's rise to the American presidency, turned himself in earlier in the day to face the charges in New York. Standing outside the Manhattan prosecutor's office, he accused the judiciary of "persecuting" him.

Bannon and a nonprofit organisation called We Build The Wall were charged with money laundering, conspiracy and fraud over what prosecutors said was a year-long fundraising scheme that netted more than $15 million from donors based on false promises.

"It is a crime to turn a profit by lying to donors, and in New York, you will be held accountable," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as he announced the charges at a news conference.

Bannon was indicted in 2020 for financial fraud over the same allegations, but was pardoned by Trump before he could be brought to trial.

Bannon's lawyer Robert Costello said the former advisor would plead not guilty.

In a statement released , Bannon denounced "bogus lawsuits" against him 60 days before the November 8 midterm legislative elections.

He blasted "an armed partisan politicisation of the criminal justice system."

He had refused to cooperate with the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021 assault on Capitol Hill by Trump supporters.