Sean Combs Investigation: Law Enforcement Action and Sex Trafficking Probe

TFD – Explore the unfolding investigation into Sean Combs and the law enforcement activity surrounding allegations of sex trafficking. Stay informed with the latest developments.

According to a law enforcement source who spoke with CNN, search warrant action at the residences of producer and musician Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday was connected to a continuing investigation into sex trafficking. Due to the delicate nature of the probe, the insider would not say whether Combs was the specific target.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations New York acknowledged that it had “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” in response to reports of raids at Combs’ residences. According to CNN correspondents on the scene, law enforcement was spotted at two of Combs’ residences on Monday: one in the Miami region and the other in Los Angeles.

According to HSI New York, local law enforcement, HSI Miami, and HSI Los Angeles all provided support for the action. “We will furnish additional details as they become accessible,” the law enforcement division informed CNN.

The US Department of Homeland Security’s principal investigative division, HSI, is in charge of looking into threats and transnational crimes, including human trafficking.

Carlos Suarez of CNN was informed by an HSI Miami spokesman that the police conduct amounted to a “search warrant execution.”

It’s unclear at this time if Combs or other locals are the intended targets of the police activity. CNN has contacted Combs’s agents to request a statement.

Multiple armed law enforcement personnel were seen strolling around Combs’ Los Angeles home’s grounds in aerial imagery. Agents were handling documents on card tables at his Miami area home and the Los Angeles residence, where mobile command post vehicles were visible. Considering the extent of the properties, it will probably take some time to find and process the evidence.

Combs (54), also known by his stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy, started the record company Bad Boy in 1993. Combs, who is recognized for his contributions to the development of the hip-hop genre, has received 14 nominations and three Grammy awards during his career. Although Combs first found fame with his music, he also rose to prominence as a producer and businessman.

The incident comes after months of controversy for Combs, however it is unclear if Monday’s law enforcement action is connected.

Combs resolved a lawsuit filed in November 2023 by singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, his ex-girlfriend, who claimed Combs had sexually assaulted her and mistreated her repeatedly over a period of years.

“A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, told CNN in a statement at the time. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

Weeks later, at least two other civil lawsuits were filed in New York against Combs with allegations of sexual assault, including one filed in December in federal court that also included allegations of sex trafficking.

In reaction to the December lawsuit, Combs stated, “I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation, and my legacy.” I’ve been the target of horrifying accusations from people hoping to get rich quick. To be crystal clear, I did not do any of the horrible things that are being said. I’ll stand up for the truth, my family, and my name.

In a separate civil case brought by a former male employee last month, Combs was accused of sexual assault and harassment. Combs, via his counsel, refuted the allegations.

This is a work in progress and will be updated going forward.