So do we know when the Manafort investigation began? We know that was an earlier investigation of Manafort but did a new investigation begin at some point around the time of the election? Who authorized that investigation and put Andrew Weissmann on it? Presumably, either the DOJ leadership or the US Attorney (Preet Bharra?) would have to have authorized that.
I don’t have an answer to that question. This article says it was a month before the Special Council was authorized.
Whence came the orders? My guess, Obozo.