Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has referred the results of an investigation into ActBlue, a major political fundraising platform, to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), citing concerns over potential illegal straw donations.
The investigation, which began in December 2023, focused on allegations that ActBlue may have facilitated unlawful campaign contributions through its platform.
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In August 2024, ActBlue implemented a security measure requiring donors using credit cards to provide CVV codes, but Paxton’s investigation found that this step did not fully prevent abuses. His team discovered that suspicious actors allegedly made straw donations on a large scale, using false identities and untraceable payment methods.
On Monday, Paxton also filed a petition with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) urging the agency to revise its rules to close loopholes that could be exploited to funnel money illegally into U.S. elections. ActBlue had previously opposed similar rule changes when the FEC considered measures to prevent straw donation schemes.
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“I have made a criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice based on the findings from our investigation into ActBlue. My investigation uncovered evidence showing that bad actors are likely using ActBlue’s platform to make illegal campaign contributions,” said Attorney General Paxton. “It is illegal to engage in election fraud and it is illegal to obscure one’s identity to flout election rules. The Department of Justice must take immediate action to prevent illegal conduct in our elections.”
The outcome of the DOJ’s potential investigation remains to be seen. This story will be updated.
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