A federal official with knowledge of the investigation revealed that it pertains to possible human trafficking.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the investigative arm of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, focusing on a variety of federal crimes, including child exploitation, drug and human smuggling, money laundering, transnational criminal organizations, and illegal exports of controlled technology and weapons.
In response to inquiries about raids on residences connected to Combs, a Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations New York conducted law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners.”
Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Combs, 54, known for his aliases Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, has built a successful business empire by capitalizing on 1990s hip-hop, leveraging his fame to secure lucrative brand deals and collaborations with other artists.
In November, Combs was sued by his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, alleging physical and mental abuse over approximately a decade. The two settled the following day.
However, additional lawsuits alleging sexual abuse against Combs emerged.
In one suit, Joi Dickerson-Neal alleges that Combs drugged, sexually assaulted, and abused her after a date in New York City in January 1991. She also claims that Combs drugged her before recording himself sexually assaulting her.
In the second suit, an unnamed claimant alleges that Combs and a friend forced her into having sex after a party.
The suit also alleges that Combs later visited the claimant’s home and physically assaulted her, choking her until she lost consciousness.
In December, Combs released a statement on the social media platform X, titled, “Enough Is Enough.”
“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday,” Combs stated. “Let me be absolutely clear:
I did not do any of the awful things being alleged,” the statement continued.
In February, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr., a music producer who collaborated with Combs on a recent album, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, among other offenses.
The lawsuit claimed, “Mr. Jones has secured HUNDREDS of hours of footage and audio recordings of Mr. Combs, his staff, and his guests engaging in serious illegal activity.”