Justice Department Investigates Black Lives Matter Foundation Over Alleged Financial Fraud
The Justice Department is investigating the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation for alleged fraud, including donor deception and misuse of over $90 million in donations, amidst denials from the foundation.
Overview
The U.S. Justice Department, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, is investigating the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and its leaders for alleged fraud.
Allegations include donor deception, misuse of funds, and lack of transparency regarding over $90 million raised in 2020 and $28 million in reported assets.
Federal law enforcement has issued subpoenas and search warrants, specifically examining the foundation's use of over $6 million to purchase a house in Los Angeles.
The Black Lives Matter foundation denies being the target of any federal criminal investigation, asserting its dedication to transparency and responsible resource management.
This federal inquiry, initiated by the Biden administration, follows previous criticism from critics and financial scandals regarding the movement's financial dealings.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Justice Department's investigation into the Black Lives Matter foundation by extensively detailing the U.S. Attorney's past political affiliations and his prior characterization of BLM as "radical." This editorial choice emphasizes potential political motivations behind the probe, rather than solely focusing on the fraud allegations. They also highlight concerns from civil rights organizations about targeting progressive groups.
Sources (9)
FAQ
The investigation includes allegations of donor deception, misuse of over $90 million in donations raised in 2020, lack of transparency regarding $28 million in assets, and the use of over $6 million to purchase a house in Los Angeles.
The foundation denies being the target of any federal criminal investigation and states that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.
The foundation used over $6 million to purchase the house, which they describe as a space for Black individuals to share their gifts and hone their crafts in a safe environment free from oppression, though the purchase is part of the investigation into alleged misuse of funds.
The investigation is led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, based in Los Angeles.
The federal inquiry, initiated under the Biden administration, follows prior criticism and financial scandals concerning the movement's financial dealings, especially after the large influx of donations during nationwide protests in 2020.
History
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