
The FBI carried out a series of raids in Oakland on Thursday, including a search of Mayor Sheng Thao’s home. Thao is currently under scrutiny due to a recall effort prompted by escalating crime rates and budgetary problems in the city. The recall movement has gained enough momentum to be on the ballot this November, with supporters gathering 40,000 signatures, well above the 25,000 required.
The raids also targeted the homes of the Duong family, who own Cal Waste Solutions and have been significant political contributors to Thao and other city council members. The Duong family is under investigation for a potential money-laundering operation, although the FBI did not confirm if the raids were related to this.
“The FBI conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity on Maiden Lane in Oakland this morning. We are unable to provide additional information at this time,” the FBI stated. Agents were observed removing boxes from Thao’s residence, but the specifics of what was taken or the reason behind the seizure have not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Cal Waste Solutions told CBS News that the company is cooperating with the investigation, expressing confidence that they will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Mayor Thao’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
This action by the FBI comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with Thao’s leadership. Oakland has seen a rise in violent crime and retail theft throughout the past year, and there has been significant public frustration over the delay in appointing a new police chief following the dismissal of LeRonne Armstrong, a process that extended over a year.