Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations recently conducted court-authorized searches at two properties owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs. The searches, which took place in Los Angeles and Miami, were part of a federal sex trafficking investigation involving the hip-hop and liquor mogul, according to sources in law enforcement who spoke with ABC News.
During the searches, HSI agents seized a number of electronic devices from Diddy’s Los Angeles mansion as part of the ongoing investigation. The probe is being led by prosecutors from the Southern District of New York.
To note, Mr. Combs has been accused of various offenses, including rape, sex trafficking, and other forms of abuse, by four women who have filed civil lawsuits against him. Despite these allegations, Combs has vehemently denied any claims of sexual misconduct.
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Sources revealed that several women have come forward to speak with federal prosecutors in Manhattan, prompting the deployment of agents to gather evidence that could support their accounts. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to corroborate the allegations against Combs.
More On The Raids:
As we previously reported, helicopters and agents swarmed Combs’ Los Angeles mansion on Monday afternoon. Footage of the scene appeared to show Combs’ sons Justin and King — detained and waiting outside of the Holmby Hills house.
Law enforcement wer also present at Combs’ Miami residence. While all of this was happening, it was said that the business mogul was in Florida at the time of the raid, according to NBC News. The Bad Boy Records executive was scheduled to leave for a trip to the Caribbean.
“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law-enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law-enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available,” a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said in a statement yesterday.
Attorney Tyrone Blackburn, who represents two accusers, music producer Rodney Jones, and Liza Gardner, also reacted to the news of Diddy’s raids in a statement to Rolling Stone. He said,
“It’s about damn time. Sometimes justice delayed is not justice denied, so long as justice ultimately arrives.”
So far, no criminal charges have been filed in the investigation.