The Justice Department is reportedly investigating allegations leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement defrauded donors out of tens of millions of dollars during 2020 protests over the death of George Floyd.
Subpoenas and at least one search warrant have been issued in recent weeks as part of the probe into Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. and other groups that helped spark mass protests over police violence and racism, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, headed by prosecutor Bill Essayli, is reportedly running the investigation.
A man carries a Black Lives Matter flag in Lafayette Square outside the White House on the fourth night of the Republican National Convention, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. APEssayli, a former Republican assemblyman and private attorney in the Golden State, has been critical of BLM in the past, describing the group as a “radical organization” in 2020.
Multiple sources told the outlet that the investigation was launched by the Biden administration, but has picked up since President Trump took office.
It’s unclear if criminal charges related to fraud claims that have beleaguered the BLM movement in recent years are imminent.
The DOJ did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
A general view of the Department of Justice building in Washington, DC as seen on April 15, 2025. Christopher SadowskiThe Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said it is “not a target of any federal criminal investigation,” in a statement to the AP.
“We remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for Black communities,” the statement continued.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation raked in over $90 million in donations in the aftermath of Floyd’s shocking May 25, 2020, killing by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.
The foundation’s finances have long been under suspicion, with some affiliate groups having complained about a lack of support from nonprofit despite its deep pockets.
A man holds up a sign of Black Lives Matter Plaza during a Juneteenth celebration event at Black Lives Matter Plaza on June 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. Getty ImagesIn 2022, BLM foundation leaders confirmed donor money was used to purchase a sprawling $6 million property in Los Angeles, which included a six-bedroom, six-bathroom home.
BLM co-founder Patrisse Kahn-Cullors stepped down from the organization after her real estate buying binge.
BLM leaders have previously denied any wrongdoing.
The foundation’s latest public federal tax filings show it had $28 million in assets as of the end of June 2024.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the BLM foundation back in 2022 for failing to comply with a state investigation into the organization’s finances.
The lawsuit was dismissed after the BLM foundation produced the documents Rokita sought.
Charges against the group’s leaders were never filed in Indiana or anywhere else.
With Post wires
