DOJ investigating SPLC over informants

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the organization. The probe concerns the SPLC's past use of paid confidential informants who infiltrated various groups the organization designates as extremist. The SPLC stated it expects criminal charges to be filed in connection with the investigation. The civil rights group is known for its work tracking hate groups and has frequently been a target of criticism from conservative figures.