Federal investigation targets handling of Black Lives Matter donations

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether top leaders of the Black Lives Matter organization defrauded donors who contributed tens of millions of dollars during the 2020 protests, two sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News.

The Associated Press first reported that the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation focuses on the foundation’s handling of donations collected following the killing of George Floyd, when the group saw an increase of more than $90 million in contributions.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, sources said.

Investigators have issued subpoenas and executed at least one search warrant in recent weeks to examine whether leaders of foundations or related organizations improperly managed charitable funds.

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A woman holds a Black Lives Matter flag during an event in memory of George Floyd and to call for justice for those who have lost loved ones to police brutality in front of the Minnesota State Capitol on May 24, 2021, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)

The scope of the investigation remains unclear and no criminal charges have been filed.

The Justice Department declined to comment. Fox News reached out to Black Lives Matter.

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“Defund the Police” is painted on the street of Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House in Washington, DC (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

According to The AP, the investigation began under the Biden administration, but received renewed attention under the Trump administration. The AP also reported that the investigation extends to other Black-led advocacy groups that rose to prominence during the 2020 nationwide protests.

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The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said in a statement to AP that it “is not the target of any federal criminal investigation” and remains committed to transparency and accountability.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.