ROBERT MUELLER, former FBI director, is heading the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign (White House photo).

Twelve Russian intelligence officers were indicted Friday by the federal government for allegedly hacking the Democratic National Committee and the presidential campaign of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The announcement was made in Washington, D.C. by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on behalf of the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The inquiry is headed by former FBI chief Robert Mueller.

According to published reports, the 28-page indictment alleges money laundering, electronic attacks on state election boards and “phishing” attempts to gain access to the e-mails and computers of Democratic operatives.

The announcement comes just before President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president has expressed skepticism about whether the Russians sought to meddle in the 2016 campaign.