Federal authorities have launched a formal investigation into alleged unauthorized campaign donations that may have violated U.S. election laws, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The probe, which is being led by the Department of Justice in coordination with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), centers on claims that a series of contributions made to a number of political campaigns during the 2024 election cycle originated from undisclosed sources and potentially foreign entities—both of which are prohibited under federal law.
According to initial reports, a whistleblower within a political consulting firm provided internal documents and emails suggesting that shell companies may have been used to funnel money to political action committees (PACs) and individual candidates without proper disclosure.
“This is a serious matter,” said a DOJ spokesperson on Monday. “Ensuring transparency and legality in campaign financing is critical to the integrity of our democratic process. We are working closely with relevant agencies to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.”
Although no charges have been filed at this stage, subpoenas have reportedly been issued to several organizations and individuals suspected of coordinating the illicit contributions. Investigators are said to be examining financial records, communications, and donor databases in an effort to trace the original sources of the funds.
The FEC, which oversees compliance with campaign finance laws, issued a statement saying it is “cooperating fully” with the Justice Department and will “take all appropriate enforcement actions based on the findings of the investigation.”
Election watchdog groups have called for swift action and greater transparency. “This case underscores the urgent need for campaign finance reform and stricter enforcement,” said Rachel Greene, a senior analyst at Democracy First, a nonpartisan government watchdog. “Dark money and undisclosed donations threaten to erode public trust in our electoral system.”
Some lawmakers have also weighed in. Senator Alicia Moreno (D-CA) called for a congressional hearing to examine loopholes in current campaign finance regulations, while Senator James Whitmore (R-TX) cautioned against “politicizing the investigative process before all facts are known.”
The scope of the investigation remains unclear, but sources indicate that both Democratic and Republican campaigns could be implicated. Officials have not disclosed the total amount of money involved, but early estimates suggest it could exceed several million dollars.
The investigation comes amid growing concerns about the influence of money in politics and heightened scrutiny over foreign interference in U.S. elections. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from donating to political campaigns, and all contributions above $200 must be disclosed with identifying donor information.
The Justice Department has not announced a timeline for the completion of the investigation. More details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.