Federal Agents Raid Properties Linked to Sean Combs in Sex Trafficking Investigation

In a significant development, federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, executed searches on Monday at two properties associated with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The searches, conducted in Los Angeles and Miami, are part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation led by federal authorities in New York, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

While it remains unclear whether Combs himself is the primary target of the investigation, Homeland Security Investigations stated that the searches were carried out as part of an ongoing probe, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment on the matter.

The Los Angeles property, located in the affluent Holmby Hills neighborhood, was cordoned off by police as agents, identifiable by vests indicating affiliation with Homeland Security Investigations, combed through the premises. Helicopter footage from KABC-TV captured agents gathered in the backyard near the pool, while a command post was established outside the house, indicating the gravity of the operation.

This latest development comes amidst a series of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months. In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs coerced him into soliciting prostitutes and pressured him into sexual activities. Combs’ attorney, Shawn Holley, has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that there is overwhelming evidence disproving the claims.

One of Combs’ accusers, R&B singer Cassie, filed a lawsuit in November alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. The suit, which claimed Combs forced her to engage in sexual activities with male prostitutes while he filmed them, was settled swiftly after its filing.

Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing Cassie and another woman who sued Combs, expressed hope that the raids would mark the beginning of holding Combs accountable for his alleged misconduct.

Combs, a seminal figure in hip-hop, has built a vast empire over three decades, founding Bad Boy Records and collaborating with numerous top-tier artists. He is also known for his ventures in fashion, television, and media, including the Sean John clothing line, Revolt TV channel, and reality show “Making the Band.”

Combs’ latest album, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” released last year, received critical acclaim and earned a Grammy nomination, further cementing his influence in the music industry. As the investigation unfolds, the ramifications for Combs and his legacy remain uncertain, casting a shadow over his storied career.