The phrase "criminal probe" refers to an official investigation carried out by law enforcement authorities to gather evidence and determine whether someone has committed a crime. Full definition
The mayor hinted at the federal and criminal probes buzzing around his and his allies fund - raising efforts and stood by his belief that the investigations are purely political in nature. (nystateofpolitics.com)
Cuomo's well - known difficulty in recruiting top - level replacement staffers for a second term is generally attributed to his obsessive penchant for micro-management, a legendary willingness to harshly berate those he believes haven't served him well, and to US Attorney Preet Bharara's ongoing criminal probe of his Moreland Commission meddling. (nypost.com)
(Holmes, who agreed to pay a $ 500,000 fine, forfeit shares, and give up voting control of Theranos, did not admit or deny the allegations; there is also an ongoing federal criminal probe into the company.) (fortune.com)