U.S. Congress Investigates ActBlue for Alleged International Fund Laundering and Election Interference

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Congress launches a critical investigation into ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform, over allegations of international fund laundering and election interference, potentially involving foreign actors from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China.

At a Glance

  • Congress is investigating ActBlue for alleged international fund laundering and election interference
  • Probe focuses on potential involvement of foreign actors from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China
  • Investigators seek classified intelligence and suspicious transaction reports from financial institutions
  • The SHIELD Act, under consideration, would require stricter verification for online political donations
  • Multiple state attorneys general alerted for potential criminal or civil investigations

Congressional Investigation Targets ActBlue

The U.S. Congress has initiated a probe into ActBlue, the prominent Democratic fundraising platform, over serious allegations of international fund laundering and potential election interference. This investigation aims to uncover whether foreign entities have exploited digital donation systems to influence American elections, striking at the heart of our democratic process.

Lawmakers are demanding access to classified intelligence and financial reports to shed light on the urgent need to strengthen election integrity and secure online political fundraising methods. The investigation focuses on potential involvement of foreign actors from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China, raising concerns about the sanctity of our electoral system.

SHIELD Act and Lobbying Efforts

In response to the mounting pressure, ActBlue has hired lobbying support to address concerns about donor verification processes. The SHIELD Act, currently under consideration, would require stricter verification for online political donations, including prohibiting contributions without a CVV code and barring donations made with gift cards or pre-paid cards.

“Democratic and progressive campaigns have trusted ActBlue’s two-decade-long track record of innovation and dependability to deliver during big fundraising moments” – ActBlue

Despite ActBlue’s claims of reliability, lawmakers and investigators are particularly concerned about the practice of “smurfing” – making straw donations using prepaid cards in the names of legitimate donors. This tactic could potentially allow illicit actors to circumvent donation limits and obscure the true source of funds.

Expanding Scope of the Investigation

The congressional investigation is expanding its reach, with investigators seeking access to Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) related to ActBlue from U.S. financial institutions. Multiple state attorneys general have been alerted for potential criminal or civil investigations, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.

“We write to you to raise an urgent concern regarding potential illicit election funding by foreign actors” – Lawmakers

In Wisconsin, a lawsuit alleges identity theft for unauthorized donations through ActBlue, further complicating the platform’s legal challenges. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton noted that ActBlue has agreed to require CVV codes for donations in Texas going forward, a move that may set a precedent for other states.

Calls for FEC Investigation

Rep. Claudia Tenney has taken a strong stance, requesting an FEC investigation into ActBlue’s practices. Her letter to the FEC highlights “anomalous transaction activity” involving large sums of money and claims that many individuals were unaware their names were used for donations.

“As a founding member of the House Election Integrity Caucus, I take the safety, security, and integrity of our elections very seriously. Public trust in our elections has been eroded to historic lows, and Congress and our federal regulators must take meaningful action to restore this faith.” – Rep. Claudia Tenney

The investigation highlights the need for enhanced security measures in digital political fundraising and aims to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. As the probe continues, lawmakers express frustration over the perceived lack of engagement from the Biden administration on this critical issue.

Sources:

  1. Congress widens probe of Democrat fundraising, seeking bank docs on possible foreign funding
  2. Congress widens probe of Democrat fundraising, seeking bank docs on possible foreign funding
  3. ActBlue lobbies up amid GOP probes
  4. House GOP demands FEC probe ‘potentially illegal’ ActBlue fundraising as Dem platform hauls Harris millions

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