An FBI investigation into Oakland’s Democratic Mayor, Shen Tao, recently expanded to include local police, according to local reports, while Tao also faces a recall election coming up later this year.
No charges have been filed, but federal agents searched Thao’s home last month and seized his cellphone and computers. The FBI also reportedly seized electronic devices belonging to Thao’s partner, Andre Jones, who has been in politics for decades. Auckland Side.
“This is important.”
At a press conference, Thao insisted that the ongoing federal investigation was “not about me.”
As part of the investigation, the FBI also searched three other properties linked to the politically influential Duong family, known for owning recycling company California Waste Solutions.
It is unclear what crime the FBI is investigating, but reports have suggested it may be investigating a campaign money laundering scheme.
Federal investigators requested telephone directory records from the Oakland Police Department. Auckland Side The city will also have to submit documentation showing the source of all federal funding for 2021 and beyond.
The FBI subpoena requested “all Oakland Police Department reports made by or involving any member of the Duong family” since April 2024.
“It’s a very difficult decision,” said Greg Woods, a professor at San Jose State University’s School of Justice. KABC Television“This is significant because it appears a grand jury is currently reviewing a major corruption investigation at the direction of the Department of Justice.”
He noted that the FBI’s request for records from police departments doesn’t necessarily indicate that the departments are investigating misconduct, but rather indicates that federal investigators may be trying to piece together cases in which victims have filed complaints.
“They will call Oakland police and report those encounters, including the potential victimization,” Woods added. “They will actually charge someone with a crime, they will take them into custody, and then they will continue this judicial process to hold individuals accountable.”
Tao maintains he has done nothing wrong.
Neither the FBI nor Oakland police responded to KABC’s requests for comment.
As previously reported by The Blaze News, Oakland residents, fed up with the area’s crime and homelessness crises caused by progressive policies imposed by local leaders, have successfully gathered enough signatures to force a recall election against Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price (D).
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