ActBlue, one of the largest fundraising platforms for Democratic candidates, is now the focus of a criminal investigation by 19 Republican attorneys general. The investigation stems from allegations that the platform has engaged in money laundering through a practice called “smurfing,” where large donations are disguised by breaking them into smaller amounts under different names.
The accusations were first raised by investigative journalists and groups such as O’Keefe Media Group and Election Watch. These groups allege that millions of dollars have been funneled through small donors, often without their knowledge, to circumvent federal campaign finance laws.
Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) has been leading the charge against ActBlue, calling for stricter enforcement from the FEC. In a letter to the FEC, Steil urged political campaigns to verify the CVV codes of online donations and ban the use of prepaid cards. The 19 attorneys general are now demanding answers from ActBlue’s leadership about their compliance with state and federal laws.
With the 2024 election fast approaching, this investigation into ActBlue raises concerns about transparency and the potential for illegal contributions. The attorneys general are calling for the platform to address these serious allegations and ensure that all donations are made legally.
