The FBI has apparently opened an investigation into a major donor based on a recently-disclosed search warrant for the phones used by executives of a defense contractor who, the warrant application alleges, made illegal contributions to Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins’ reelection campaign.
Collins had helped the company, the Martin Defense Corp. (previously known as Navatek), secure an $8 million contract for ship hull designs. Executives at the company then directed $150,000 in campaign contributions to Collins, some using their employees who were reimbursed for their donations, according to Axios.
Former CEO of Navatek Martin Kao was indicted in 2020 for scams relating to obtaining millions of dollar in government coronavirus relief. In the Collins scheme, Kao and his wife set up a phony non-profit company, Society for Young Women Scientists and Engineers, to which they wrote $150,000 in checks, all of which was then funneled to Collins’ campaign or super PAC.