FBI searches house linked to Oakland mayor

Recently, the FBI conducted raids on multiple properties, including one connected to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. This came just a day after a recall campaign to remove her from office qualified for the November ballot.

Records show that Thao is linked to an address at 80 Maiden Lane in Oakland, California, although she does not own the property. An article from November 2022 by The Guardian highlighted Thao as the “first renter” to serve as Oakland mayor.

Following a successful petition submission by Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao (OUST) two weeks ago, officials in Alameda County verified the collection of over 25,000 voter signatures, surpassing the required threshold for the recall.

Seneca Scott, one of the key organizers behind the recall efforts, expressed his view by stating, “This is a national embarrassment. I think that she’s going to have to resign and then [there will be] an interim replacement. We may have four mayors in the span of six months.”

Community members in Oakland have voiced their frustration and concerns over the escalating crime rates in the city, with some even organizing rallies to bring attention to their plight.

Reflecting on the situation, Scott added, “However, with the news today that the FBI raided her home, I think it’s going to be an easy campaign. This is going to go very, very deep. I think we’re going to see a lot of things exposed in the City of Oakland.”

The FBI’s raids also extended to 4320 View Crest Court, a property associated with Andy Duong, a co-owner of California Waste Solutions. The recycling company had previously faced scrutiny over campaign contributions to Thao, as reported by The Oaklandside.

Additionally, another property at 1211 Embarcadero Way in Oakland, housing California Waste Solutions and the Vietnamese American Business Association (VABA) headquarters, was the subject of an FBI raid. The Duong family oversees VABA and led a business delegation to Vietnam last year, which included the mayor.

The unfolding events surrounding Mayor Sheng Thao and the connected properties have stirred significant controversy and interest in the Oakland community. As the recall campaign gains momentum, the city braces for potential changes in its leadership and governance.