Attorney General Ken Paxton Files Criminal Complaint with DOJ Over Widespread Suspicious Political Contributions Through ActBlue’s Fundraising Platform | Texas Insider

“The Department of Justice must take immediate action to prevent illegal behavior in our elections.”

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) detailing the results of an investigation that uncovered how suspicious actors appeared to be using ActBlue’s political fundraising platform to make illegal straw donations.

The investigation into ActBlue began in December 2023 after allegations that the company may be supporting illegal campaign contributions. As a result, ActBlue launched in August 2024 require Donors using credit cards to provide “CVV” codes, a common security measure. However, that doesn’t prevent all of the abuses that Attorney General Paxton’s team found on ActBlue, including the fact that straw donations appear to be made on a large scale using false identities and untraceable payment methods.

On Monday, Attorney General Paxton sent a rulemaking petition to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) calling for changes that would close loopholes that can be exploited to illegally funnel money into American elections. When the FEC previously considered adopting rules that could prevent straw donation schemes like those uncovered in the investigation, ActBlue opposed such changes.

“I have filed a criminal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice based on the findings of our investigation into ActBlue. “My investigation uncovered evidence that bad actors are likely using ActBlue’s platform to make illegal campaign contributions.” said Attorney General Paxton. “It is illegal to commit voter fraud and it is illegal to disguise one’s identity to violate election rules. The Department of Justice must take immediate action to prevent illegal behavior in our elections.”