Justice Department investigates Blue Flame Medical after claims that it failed to provide masks to Maryland

The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Blue Flame Medical, a firm created by two well-connected Republican operatives who started selling medical supplies this spring as the novel coronavirus spread across the country.

Prosecutors are focused on at least two contracts that the firm signed for medical masks and other equipment with Maryland and California, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of its sensitive nature. Both states ultimately canceled those contracts.