Boris Epshteyn, a long-time adviser to Donald Trump and member of his transition team, has been accused of seeking payments from people to promote them for roles in the incoming administration.

He has called the allegations, which were the subject of an internal investigation by Trump’s legal team, “false and defamatory”.

The Trump campaign said in a statement it is moving on from the issue after reviewing consulting agreements. The investigation and accusations were first reported by conservative outlet Just the News.

Epshteyn is a highly visible member of Trump’s inner circle, appearing beside his boss in court both during a criminal trial earlier this year and on stage when Trump delivered his election victory speech this month.