Federal agents recently conducted a raid on the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, along with at least two other houses, as part of an ongoing investigation. The FBI agents were seen carrying 80 boxes out of the four-bedroom house linked to Mayor Thao, who is currently serving her first term.
Although details about the nature of the raid and the investigation are scarce, an FBI spokesperson confirmed that the bureau had engaged in “court-authorized law enforcement activity.” Additional searches were also carried out at two properties owned by members of the Duong family, who own the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions. This company has previously been under investigation for making campaign contributions to Thao and other city officials.
One of the properties searched belongs to Andy Duong, while the other is connected to David and Linda Duong, according to records cited by the San Francisco Chronicle. Mayor Thao, who is 38 years old, took office in January 2023 after serving on the Oakland city council. During her campaign, she focused on addressing homelessness, housing issues, and crime in the city.
Despite her progressive platform, Thao has faced criticism from some residents regarding the ongoing crime levels in Oakland. As a result, a recall vote is scheduled to take place in November to determine her future as mayor.
This recent FBI raid has raised questions and concerns among Oakland residents as they await more information about the investigation and its implications. The involvement of the Duong family, who are politically influential in the region, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the story continues to develop, the community remains eager to understand the full scope of the authorities’ actions and any potential implications for the city’s leadership and political landscape.