FBI agents conducted an early-morning Thursday raid at the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (D) in the city's Lincoln Highlands neighborhood, one of several on properties affiliated with the mayor carried out that day.
Video footage of the operation, described as “court-authorized law enforcement activity” by an FBI spokesperson, went viral.
Over a dozen agents entered the house and seized items like paper boxes, clipboards, and large plastic tubs during the search.
Thursday's search also included agents from the IRS and U.S. Postal Service.
“There's obviously something big going on,” one neighbor told reporters.
Warrants were also served at the homes of David Duong, president and CEO of Cal Waste Solutions, and his son Andy Duong, as well as their company offices.
Cal Waste Solutions is under investigation due to alleged connections with the mayor's office in a corruption probe.
There are concerns about how Cal Waste secured contracts, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the bidding process due to campaign contributions from the Duong family to Thao and other city officials.
Other key points of the investigation include:
- Political Connections: Investigators are examining the nature of relationships between the company's executives and the mayor, looking for any signs of undue influence or quid pro quo arrangements.
- Past Conduct: Historical instances of contract awards and campaign contributions are being scrutinized to identify patterns of potential corruption.
Thao's 2022 election was historic for the Hmong-American community. At 38, she became the first Hmong-American elected as mayor of a major American city.
She's now facing a recall due to residents feeling the city hasn't addressed rising crime.
Thursday night, frustrated citizens gathered outside her home.
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