Federal authorities executed a search warrant at a Beverly Hills mansion on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into former Representative Eric Swalwell of California.
The early morning raid targeted the residence of billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, a longtime financial supporter of Swalwell’s political campaigns. Approximately two dozen FBI agents arrived at the property around six o’clock local time and conducted a search that lasted several hours.
Law enforcement officials removed several individuals from the residence in handcuffs, though all were released shortly thereafter. Cloobeck himself was not present at the mansion during the operation. His attorneys confirmed his absence and issued a statement indicating their client “continues to have faith in this country’s judicial process.”
The raid represents the latest development in a federal investigation that has expanded significantly in recent months. Swalwell resigned from Congress and withdrew from California’s gubernatorial race earlier this year following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. At least five women, including a former staff member, have come forward with accusations against the former congressman.
This investigation has already produced substantial law enforcement activity. In August, federal agents searched Swalwell’s Washington residence and seized his electronic devices at San Francisco International Airport. Sources familiar with that operation confirmed it was connected to the sexual misconduct probe. Swalwell was neither arrested nor detained during that incident.
The connection between Cloobeck and the investigation appears to involve a sex worker reportedly linked to the case, though authorities have not released specific details about the nature of the evidence they sought at the Beverly Hills property.
Cloobeck faces his own legal difficulties. Earlier this year, he was arrested on separate charges alleging he attempted to influence witnesses in a criminal case involving his fiancée. Those charges remain unresolved.
The scope of the Swalwell investigation has broadened in recent weeks. The White House declassified documents earlier this week related to an FBI probe into the former congressman’s relationship with Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, a woman identified by intelligence officials as a suspected Chinese operative who cultivated relationships with American politicians.
Federal investigators have offered no public timeline for the completion of their investigation, nor have they indicated whether additional search warrants or arrests might be forthcoming. The Justice Department has declined to comment on the ongoing matter beyond confirming that the search warrant was properly authorized and executed.
The political fallout from these allegations has already proven substantial. Swalwell, who served thirteen years in Congress and gained national prominence through his work on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, has largely disappeared from public view since his resignation. His political allies have remained notably silent as the investigation has proceeded.
The Tuesday raid underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are pursuing this matter and suggests the investigation extends beyond Swalwell himself to examine his broader network of associates and supporters.
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