FBI raids several California homes, including Oakland mayor's

Federal authorities have raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses
FBI agents raid a home on Maiden Lane where Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao allegedly lives in Oakland, Calif. Thursday, June 20, 2024. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

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FBI agents raid a home on Maiden Lane where Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao allegedly lives in Oakland, Calif. Thursday, June 20, 2024. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of a California investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, officials said.

FBI agents carried boxes out of 80 Maiden Lane, a four-bedroom home that property records link to the first-term mayor, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Thao's spokesperson Francis Zamora referred inquiries to the FBI.

“The FBI conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity on Maiden Lane in Oakland this morning. We are unable to provide additional information at this time,” a bureau statement said.

Agents also carried out searches about three miles to the south at two homes owned by members of the politically influential Duong family that owns the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions, the Chronicle said. 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.

Phone messages and emails seeking comment on the raid from Cal Waste Solutions officials were not immediately returned. Personal phone numbers for members of the Duong family could not be found.

Thao, 38, is facing a recall election less than two years into her term as mayor. The city clerk's office last week notified leaders behind the recall effort that they had gathered enough verified signatures to qualify for the ballot in November.

Increased crime and budgetary problems have challenged Thao since she assumed office in January 2023 after a stint on the Oakland City Council.

FBI agents raid a home on Viewcrest Court in Oakland, Calif. Thursday, June 20, 2024 in connection with another raid on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thai's home. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

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FBI agents raid a home on Viewcrest Court in Oakland, Calif. Thursday, June 20, 2024 in connection with another raid on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thai's home. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

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FBI agents raid a home on Maiden Lane where Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao allegedly lives in Oakland, Calif. Thursday, June 20, 2024. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

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FILE - Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao speaks during a news conference at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Thao early Thursday, June 20, 2024, as part of a California investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, officials said. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File )

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FBI agents carry boxes out of a house associated with Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao during a raid in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group via AP)

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FBI agents carry boxes out of a house associated with Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao during a raid in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Federal authorities raided a home belonging to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao early Thursday as part of an investigation that included a search of at least two other houses, authorities said. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group via AP)

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FBI agents exit a house associated with Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao during a raid in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Duong is a member of the family that owns recycling company Cal Waste Solutions, which has been investigated over campaign contributions to Oakland city Mayor Sheng Thao and other elected city officials, Oaklandside reported in 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group via AP)

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