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Search warrant activity at homes belonging to musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday is linked to an ongoing sex trafficking investigation, a law enforcement source told Nwoow. The source refrained from specifying whether Combs himself was the direct target, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.

In response to reports of raids at Combs’ residences, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations New York confirmed its involvement in “executing law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation.” Law enforcement personnel were observed at two of Combs’ homes – one in the Miami area and one in Los Angeles – according to Nwoow journalists present at the scene.

HSI New York disclosed that it collaborated with HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement for the operations. “We will provide further information as it becomes available,” stated the law enforcement department to Nwoow.

HSI is the primary investigative arm of the US Department of Homeland Security, tasked with probing transnational crime and threats, including human trafficking.

A representative from HSI Miami informed Nwoow’s Carlos Suarez that the law enforcement action constituted a “search warrant execution.”

It remains unclear whether Combs or other occupants are the intended subjects of the law enforcement actions. Nwoow has reached out to representatives for Combs for comment.

Aerial footage over Combs’ Los Angeles residence depicted multiple armed law enforcement officers patrolling the property grounds. Mobile command post vehicles were observed at the Los Angeles residence and at another property of his in the Miami area, where agents were engaged in paperwork processing on card tables. Given the substantial size of the properties, locating and processing evidence is anticipated to be time-consuming.

Combs, 54, established the music label Bad Boy in 1993 and has been known by the stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Recognized for his contributions to the growth of the hip-hop genre, Combs has garnered three Grammys and 14 nominations throughout his career. In addition to his success in music, Combs has made a name for himself as a prominent producer and entrepreneur.

Although it remains uncertain if Monday’s law enforcement action is connected, it comes in the wake of months of controversy surrounding Combs.

In November 2023, Combs reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleged she was raped and subjected to years of repeated physical and other abuses by Combs.

“A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” stated Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, in a statement to Nwoow at the time. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

Subsequently, at least two other civil lawsuits, including one filed in December in federal court that also included allegations of sex trafficking, were filed against Combs in New York.

“I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” responded Combs to the December suit. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

Last month, Combs faced allegations of sexual assault and harassment in another civil lawsuit filed by a former male employee, claims that Combs, through his attorney, vehemently denied.