CNN
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Search warrant exercise at houses belonging to musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday is said to an ongoing intercourse trafficking investigation, a legislation enforcement supply informed CNN. The supply would not specify whether or not Combs himself was the precise goal, citing the delicate nature of the investigation.
Responding to experiences of raids at houses belonging to Combs, the Division of Homeland Safety Investigations New York confirmed it had “executed legislation enforcement actions as a part of an ongoing investigation.” Legislation enforcement may very well be seen Monday at two of Combs’ houses – one within the Miami space and one in Los Angeles, in line with CNN journalists on website.
HSI New York stated it acted with help from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and native legislation enforcement. “We’ll present additional data because it turns into obtainable,” the legislation enforcement division informed CNN.
HSI is the lead investigative arm of the US Division of Homeland Safety and is liable for investigating transnational crime and threats, together with human trafficking.
An HSI Miami consultant informed CNN’s Carlos Suarez the legislation enforcement motion was a “search warrant execution.”
It’s not but clear if Combs or different residents are the goal of the legislation enforcement actions. CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs for remark.
Aerial footage over Combs’ residence in Los Angeles confirmed a number of, armed legislation enforcement officers strolling across the grounds of the property. Cellular command put up autos had been seen at the Los Angeles residence and at a house of his within the Miami space, the place brokers had been processing paperwork on card tables. It seemingly will take time to find and course of proof given the substantial dimension of the properties.
Combs, 54, based the music label Unhealthy Boy in 1993, and has passed by stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Credited with work that’s thought to be instrumental within the progress of the hip-hop style, Combs has gained three Grammys in his profession, together with 14 nominations. Whereas he achieved preliminary success along with his music, Combs additionally turned a notable producer in addition to entrepreneur.
Although it’s not recognized if Monday’s legislation enforcement motion is said, the occasion follows months of controversy for Combs.
In November 2023, Combs settled a suit introduced by his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleged she was raped and subjected to years of repeated bodily and different abuses by Combs.
“A call to settle a lawsuit, particularly in 2023, is on no account an admission of wrongdoing,” Ben Brafman, an lawyer for Combs, informed CNN in a press release on the time. “Mr. Combs’ determination to settle the lawsuit doesn’t in any means undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He’s comfortable they received to a mutual settlement and needs Ms. Ventura the perfect.”
Weeks later, a minimum of two different civil lawsuits had been filed in New York towards Combs with allegations of sexual assault, together with one filed in December in federal courtroom that additionally included allegations of sex trafficking.
“I’ve sat silently and watched folks attempt to assassinate my character, destroy my fame and my legacy,” Combs said in response to the December go well with. “Sickening allegations have been made towards me by people on the lookout for a fast payday. Let me be completely clear: I didn’t do any of the terrible issues being alleged. I’ll battle for my identify, my household and for the reality.”
Combs was accused of sexual assault and harassment in one other civil lawsuit filed by a former male worker last month, claims which Combs, by his lawyer, denied.
It is a growing story and can proceed to be up to date.
CNN’s Carlos Suarez contributed to this report.