Federal prosecutors launch Juul criminal investigation: report

Federal prosecutors in California have reportedly launched a criminal investigation into e-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc.

People familiar with the investigation, which reportedly is being conducted by the U.S. attorney’s office of the Northern District of California, told The Wall Street Journal that it is in early stages. 

{mosads}The Journal was not able to ascertain the probe’s focus. 

The Hill has reached out to Juul for comment. When reached by the Journal, a Juul spokesman had no immediate comment. The newspaper noted that the company has said it has never promoted the use of its products for teens. 

A U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson told the newspaper it could not confirm or deny whether an inquiry was ongoing. 

Abraham Simmons, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office, told The Hill he could not confirm or deny the existence of such a probe. 

The Journal’s report follows news of a lung disease connected to vaping products that has resulted in eight deaths and hundreds of illnesses.

Bipartisan senators have said the acting head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should immediately take most e-cigarettes off the market until they are proven safe. President Trump has also floated a ban on flavored e-cigarettes. 

The Journal had previously reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating Juul over potentially deceptive marketing practices. 

Updated: 2:13 p.m.