Federal Raids Shake Oakland’s Political Landscape

Federal agents conducted searches at various locations in Oakland, including the home of Mayor Sheng Thao and the offices of California Waste Solutions, shedding light on a long-standing probe into alleged campaign finance irregularities involving the influential Duong family. The investigations by the Oakland Public Ethics Commission and the state Fair Political Practices Commission have been ongoing for five years, focusing on accusations of using ‘straw donors’ to bypass donation limits and fund political campaigns.

The FBI‘s visit to Oakland added a new layer of complexity to the situation, with searches also conducted at the homes of David Duong, the CEO of California Waste Solutions, and his son, Andy Duong. While there are no formal accusations against Thao or the Duong family at this point, the raids have stirred concerns within the city.

Thao’s attorney, Anthony J. Brass, stated that the mayor is willing to cooperate with investigators, emphasizing her commitment to transparency. California Waste Solutions issued a statement expressing surprise at the searches and affirmed their cooperation with law enforcement, asserting their compliance with the law.

The timing of the raids couldn’t be worse for Oakland, already grappling with a rise in crime rates and public safety issues. Governor Gavin Newsom’s deployment of additional law enforcement resources to address the situation highlights the challenges facing the city.

Brenda Harbin-Forte, leading the Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao effort, sees the federal inquiry as a call for accountability in the city’s leadership. Simon Russell from Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission confirmed the ongoing investigations and the agency’s efforts to uncover potential campaign finance violations.

The investigations extend beyond Oakland, with federal agents scrutinizing campaign contributions made by the Duong family to candidates in various jurisdictions. The alleged scheme involved using intermediaries to funnel donations and gain favor with political figures.

While Thao and the Duongs navigate the legal scrutiny, Oakland residents are left concerned about the impact on the city’s governance and reputation. The unfolding events are a stark reminder of the complexities of political influence and campaign finance practices.