US Homeland Security raids properties of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York said it had “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” with assistance from HSI Los Angeles and HSI Miami, in a statement given to the PA news agency.

Two properties were searched in Los Angeles and Miami as part of the probe, according to the AP news agency, while it was not clear whether the searches were related to several ongoing lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months.

Authorities did not specify the reasons for the raids or whether they were connected to Combs, however AP reported it was part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York.

Photographs showed scores of agents alongside local law enforcement officers, while a separate video has emerged of Combs allegedly outside an airport in Miami when the raids took place.

It comes as the 54-year-old music mogul has been the subject of several lawsuits, including for sexual misconduct.

US singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, settled a claim against Combs in November where she alleged she was a victim of rape and violent behaviour during their decade-long relationship – which Combs vehemently denied along with other allegations.

Douglas Wigdor, the lawyer for Ms Ventura and a second anonymous complainant, said in a statement given to the PA news agency: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law.

“Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

A representative for Combs has been contacted for comment.

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