The United States Department of Homeland Security agents have initiated an investigation involving hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs, conducting searches at his properties in Los Angeles and the Miami area on Monday.
The inquiry, spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents based in New York, comes from a lawsuit filed against Combs in federal court in November by a former girlfriend. The lawsuit accuses Combs of involvement in sex trafficking.
Denying the allegations, the 54-year-old rapper maintains his innocence and contends that his accusers are motivated by financial gain.
Television stations in Los Angeles broadcasted aerial footage showing HSI agents and other law enforcement officials conducting searches at Combs’ luxurious estate in Holmby Hills, an upscale neighbourhood in the city.
Reports from Los Angeles City News Service indicated that several individuals were detained outside Combs’ residence, although it remains unclear whether any arrests were made.
Additionally, federal authorities executed a search warrant at Combs’ residence in the Miami area.