Congress has intensified its investigation into Democratic fundraising practices, seeking financial records as concerns mount over the possible involvement of foreign actors like China, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela in U.S. elections. Republican lawmakers, led by Wisconsin Representative Bryan Steil, have requested banking documents to explore whether ActBlue, the Democrat-aligned fundraising platform, has facilitated illegal donations via “straw donors” and money laundering schemes.
ActBlue has been the focal point of Republican scrutiny for months, with officials suspecting that the platform may have allowed large sums of money to be broken into smaller, anonymous donations, masking the true origins of the funds. This practice, referred to as "smurfing," can bypass federal election contribution limits and evade scrutiny from regulators.
Congress widens probe of Democrat fundraising, seeking bank docs on possible foreign funding
👇https://t.co/xaFdSXZnLX— Stoned Ranger (@Stoned_Ranger_) October 21, 2024
Investigations first ramped up after a Republican consultant from Wisconsin, Mark Block, filed a lawsuit claiming that his identity was used without his consent to make hundreds of donations through ActBlue. He alleged his credit card information was exploited in a broader, organized crime scheme involving fraudulent donations.
The investigation has spread across 19 states, with multiple state attorneys general taking action. States like Texas, Florida, and Virginia are now involved, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previously reaching an agreement with ActBlue to enhance security measures by requiring CVV codes during donations. Despite these efforts, concerns remain over potential foreign interference, as lawmakers fear that entities from hostile nations could use these fraudulent methods to influence American politics.
Congress Widens Its Probe of Democrat Fundraising, Seeking Bank Documents on Possible Foreign Funding https://t.co/Febh5vCEyv
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Further complicating matters, ActBlue’s internal security protocols have come under fire. A recent letter to Congress from ActBlue revealed that the platform does not require CVV codes for donations, a common fraud prevention measure. Critics argue that this oversight could allow foreign actors to funnel money into U.S. elections under the radar.
This is not the first time Democrats have faced accusations of foreign funding irregularities. The “Chinagate” scandal in the 1990s saw Chinese-linked businessmen funnel millions of dollars to help Bill Clinton’s re-election. Now, with the rise of digital fundraising platforms like ActBlue, concerns are growing that online donations can be manipulated more easily than ever before.
The GOP-led House Administration Committee has been pivotal in uncovering these alleged irregularities. After conducting a comprehensive analysis of ActBlue donations, the committee flagged thousands of donations made in low-income areas, often beyond the financial means of the individuals reportedly making the contributions. This anomaly has raised suspicions that unwitting Americans are being used as “smurfs” in larger money-laundering schemes.
As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on federal agencies to respond. Lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration for failing to act on several oversight letters and intelligence briefings warning of potential election security threats. Calls are also growing for the FBI to prioritize the investigation into ActBlue’s handling of donations.
