the FBI is investigating whether a Kremlin-linked Moscow businessman channelled money to the groups campaign to help Donald Trump win the election Through the NRA.
campaigners say it is vital that investigators uncover if the powerful lobbying group group used any Russian money to help elect Republican members of Congress and Mr Trump during the 2016 race. It is against the law to use foreign money in federal election campaigns.
It was recently reported the FBI was focusing its attention on Alexander Torshin, a former member of the upper house of Russias parliament and currently deputy governor of Russias central bank, who is said to have a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The 64-year-old gun enthusiast is also said to be a Life Member of the NRA.
Since McClatchy News first reported Mr Torshin and the loan were being investigated, campaigners have been seeking to pressure the NRA to come clean about its funding.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Torshin and whether any Russian money went to the NRA to help Trump. During the campaign, Torshin attempted to broker a backdoor line of communication between candidate Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Torshins colorful history has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent months. Connections to a money laundering operation in Spain and the Russian mafia have emerged.
According to a confidential report by the Spanish Civil guard, Torshin allegedly, instructed members of the Moscow-based Taganskaya crime syndicate how to launder ill-gotten gains through banks and properties in Spain while he was a deputy speaker of the upper house of parliament. The Russian politician was known as the leader of the crime syndicate, and was often referred to as the godfather of the group. The NRA letter arrived amidst his reported illegal activities.
In 2015, Torshin was nominated as a deputy head of the Central Bank of Russia  a position that gives him access to Putin like few others in the Russian government. The Senator-turned-banker has had multiple meetings with those in Trumps orbit, both prior to and during the campaign.
NRA spending surged $100 million in 2016 compared to previous election cycles
In 2011 handwritten letter, NRA President offered help to Alexander Torshin for his endeavors