George Santos charged with defrauding campaign donors

The US justice department has charged embattled Rep George Santos on 23 criminal charges, including defrauding campaign donors and wire fraud.

Investigators accused the Republican of running up multiple charges on the credit cards of campaign donors.

The charges, which build on an earlier indictment, also accused him of lying to the Federal Election Commission and House oversight committees.

Mr Santos has yet to comment on the charges announced on Tuesday evening.

"Santos allegedly led multiple additional fraudulent criminal schemes, lying to the American public in the process," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith said in a statement.

"Anyone who attempts to violate the law as part of a political campaign will face punishment in the criminal justice system," he added.