NEWSLINE PAPER,- In the course of their continuing investigation into claims of human trafficking, federal officials searched homes owned by music entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs. Leading the investigation is the Transnational Organised Crime Division of the Department of Homeland Security, which reports to the US attorney for the Southern District of New York.
The probe has its roots in many civil actions that Combs was accused of sexual assault and sex trafficking in New York. Throughout, Combs has refuted these claims.
Combs went to the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, in May of 2022. At about that same time, heavily armed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents investigated his homes in Miami and Los Angeles. Authorised to search for documents, phones, computers, and other data or video-holding electronic devices were the agents, some of whom drove armoured cars.
According to a law enforcement source, the searches were a component of a continuing sex trafficking investigation. According to HSI in New York, it carried out these law enforcement operations in cooperation with Miami and Los Angeles HSI divisions as well as local police enforcement.
Three other cases brought in recent months have accused Combs of sex trafficking. Which of these accusations is a part of the federal investigation is yet unknown. Combs settled a lawsuit in November brought by singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, who had accused him of rape, forced sex trafficking, and other mistreatment.
Ben Brafman, the lawyer for Combs, said that the settlement decision did not imply guilt. Combs has angrily disputed every accusation and voiced his displeasure at efforts to damage his name and legacy.
Most recently, former employee and producer/videographer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones sued Combs, alleging sexual misbehaviour.