Susan Collins Was Target of FBI Bribery Probe: Report

Key Points:

• The FBI was investigating a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Susan Collins, for involvement in a pay-for-contracts bribery scheme linked to military contractor Navatek, based on cooperation from former CEO Martin Kao.
• Emails and statements suggest Collins directed millions in federal contracts to Navatek, and her super PAC allegedly solicited illegal campaign contributions from the company in exchange for contract favors.
• Kao claimed Collins explicitly acknowledged her past support and expected continued assistance, while Navatek funneled money to Collins’ PAC and other congressional members, especially those on Appropriations committees.
• The investigation lost momentum after the Trump administration took control of the FBI and Justice Department, leading to the dismantling of the Public Corruption unit and dismissal or resignation of key investigators; the FBI later stated it found no evidence implicating Collins.
• Collins’ Democratic opponent condemned the alleged corruption and cover-up, demanding transparency, while Collins’ office denied any wrongdoing; the ProPublica report suggests the case may reveal broader corruption.