Federal authorities raided a pair of properties owned by rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs Monday.
Homeland security agents stormed the producer's Miami and Los Angeles residences, which are associated with Combs' Bad Boy Records production company, according to CNN, KABC-TV and NBC News.
"Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to the media.
Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told the Los Angeles Times the raid was in connection to sex trafficking allegations against Combs. It's unclear what items or evidence was seized.
In November, Combs, 54, was accused of sexual assault by former girlfriend, Cassie.
The R&B singer, whose real name is Cassandra Ventura, alleged Combs raped and abused her during their more than a decade-long relationship.
"After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships," Ventura said in a statement, The New York Times reported.
Combs "vehemently denied" the allegations through his attorney.
"For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail," Ben Brafman countered, according to the Times. "Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs's reputation and seeking a payday."
The parties reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount a day later.
Since then, at least three others have filed suit against the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy.
In response to Monday's surprise raid, Ventura's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, told the L.A. Times, "We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct."
