Federal Investigation Expands to Oakland Police Department Amid Corruption Allegations

The federal investigation into Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has broadened to include the Oakland Police Department (OPD), following FBI raids on Thao's home and those of associates last month. The U.S. attorney's office has issued grand jury subpoenas requiring the OPD to provide all internal phone directories since March and police reports related to the Duong family, owners of California Waste Solutions, whose homes were also raided. Experts suggest this indicates a significant corruption inquiry led by the Department of Justice. The subpoenas are not necessarily aimed at uncovering misconduct within the OPD but may be intended to identify potential victims who have lodged complaints related to the ongoing investigation. Additionally, a separate subpoena seeks information on all federal funding received by the city since 2021, which may relate to allegations of illegal campaign contributions from executives at California Waste Solutions. These executives are linked to a stalled recycling plant project at the Oakland Army Base, which is also associated with a proposal for a homeless housing initiative. Mayor Thao has claimed, without evidence, that the investigation is politically motivated, alleging that "radical right-wing forces" are attempting to remove her from office. Facing a recall election in November, Thao has denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed against her. Experts indicate that the grand jury investigation could extend for several months, potentially into the next year, as the inquiry unfolds.