Federal agents raided properties connected to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
The raids took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, with two properties searched in Los Angeles and Miami.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the raids were part of “law enforcement actions” related to an ongoing investigation but did not specify the reasons for the raids or whether they were directly tied to Mr. Combs.
Representatives for the hip-hop mogul did not respond to requests for comment from the BBC, per reports. Several recent lawsuits have accused Mr. Combs of sexual misconduct, which his attorneys have consistently denied.
The raids included a 17,000 square foot mansion in Los Angeles, where Mr. Combs had announced his latest album release in September. The property is associated with his Bad Boy Films production company and is located in the upscale neighborhood of Holmby Hills.
According to two law enforcement officials, the raids were part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation, although this information has not been independently confirmed by the BBC.
Last year, R&B singer Cassie, who had dated Mr. Combs from 2005 to 2018, filed a lawsuit against him in New York federal court, alleging years of abuse. The lawsuit was later settled. Two other women and a man have also filed lawsuits accusing Mr. Combs of sexual misconduct.
Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer representing Cassie and another alleged victim, expressed support for the law enforcement efforts, stating, “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”
Mr. Combs is a prominent figure in hip-hop, known for founding Bad Boy Records and working with artists such as Usher and Mary J Blige. He has won three Grammy Awards.