FBI raids residence of Oakland’s first-term mayor Sheng Thao | California

California

Agents also conducted searches at two homes owned by members of the politically influential Duong family

Guardian staff and agencies

Thu 20 Jun 2024 17.45 EDT

Federal authorities have raided a home belonging to the mayor of Oakland, California, as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, officials said on Thursday.

The raid took place on Thursday morning, when FBI agents carried 80 boxes out of a four-bedroom home that property records link to Sheng Thao, who is serving her first term as the city’s mayor.

Details about the nature of the raid and investigation remain thin. In a statement to the Guardian, an FBI spokesperson confirmed the bureau had conducted “court-authorized law enforcement activity” but declined to provide further information.

Agents also conducted searches about 3 miles (5km) to the south at two homes owned by members of the politically influential Duong family that owns the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The firm has been investigated over campaign contributions to Thao and other elected city officials, the local news outlet Oaklandside reported in 2020.

One of the properties is owned by Andy Duong and the other is connected to David and Linda Duong, according to records cited by the Chronicle.

Thao, 38, assumed office in January 2023 after a stint on the Oakland city council. She campaigned for mayor on a progressive platform that championed her experiences with homelessness and pledged to address Oakland’s ongoing struggles with housing and crime.

Thao has faced criticism since taking office from some residents who remain frustrated with crime levels in the East Bay city and is likely to face a recall vote in November.