The Justice Department is preparing criminal charges in connection with an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump's presidential campaign in a bid to shape the outcome of the November election, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

The prospect of criminal charges comes as the Justice Department has warned about countries including Russia and China seeking to meddle in the presidential election between Trump and Harris.

The FBI investigation has focused on an online persona named “Robert” who contacted American reporters, according to people familiar with the matter.