That depends on your definition of 'valid' evidence.

They were trying to connect: a record of 'legal expenses' (which in robo-accounting is valid, as it is not, for example, a repairs and maintenance expense, or a cost of goods sold expense) - with the intent to sway an election.

The legal dots were so far apart, that the judge had to prevent defense evidence from entering the chat. Yes the whole thing was a scam, and yes those people should be hiding under their duvet in shame, and more.